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Published on: May 19, 2020
Parasite infections: how inflammation alters brain function
Isabela de Brito Duval1, Marcelo Eduardo Cardozo2, Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza2
1Laboratory of Interactions in Immuno-Parasitology, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil; Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil.
Parasitic infections can harm brain function by causing central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. This review explores how parasites like Toxoplasma and Plasmodium trigger neuroinflammation, leading to cognitive and behavioral changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- The central nervous system (CNS) was once considered immune-privileged but is now known to be susceptible to infections.
- Parasitic infections can impact CNS function through direct invasion or indirect neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which parasites disrupt CNS function.
- To highlight the role of systemic inflammation in parasite-associated neurological complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on parasitic infections and CNS effects.
- Analysis of pathways linking peripheral infections to neuroinflammation.
Main Results:
- Parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum can invade the CNS or induce neuroinflammation.
- Neuroinflammation disrupts brain homeostasis and neurotransmission, causing behavioral and cognitive changes.
- Systemic inflammation acts as a key mediator between peripheral parasitic infections and CNS dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Parasitic infections pose a significant threat to CNS integrity.
- Understanding neuroinflammatory pathways is crucial for managing parasite-associated neurological disorders.
