Immunological aspects of some parasitic infections

In this review article, some recent developments in the immunology of parasitic infections are presented. After an introduction in which the major human parasitic infectious diseases, including malaria, african and american trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, filariasis an schistosomiasis are mentioned, a description of the host/parasite relationship in malaria presented. The possibility for the development of vaccins against malaria are described. The close relation between the immunological responses and the inflammatory reactions present both in Schistosoma mansoni and Trichinella spiralis infections is stressed. Particularly the recently recognized direct anti-parasitic activity of eosinophils was emphasized. Next, ways of escape of parasites from the host defence were described, with special emphasis on the immunomodulating properties of parasitic infections. Finally, the development and improvement of new immunodiagnostic methods, including the detection of circulating antigens were discussed.