[Inflammatory response to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection]

The acute stage of Trypanosoma cruzi infections related to high parasitemia is characterized by the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in several tissues, including the heart and squeletal muscle, as well as by an increased production of inflammatory mediators, such as gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and oxygen and nitrogen reactive intermediates. The activation of phagocytic cells seems to be closely related to both the inflammatory process and host resistance to the infection. Herein, the inflammatory mediators produced in vivo and their relationship with the tissue damage and TH1 immune response are reviewed.