Open AccessExperimental Fasciola hepatica Infection Alters Responses to Tests Used for Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis
Author(s) -
Robin J. Flynn,
C. Mannion,
Olwen Golden,
Orçun Haçarız,
Grace Mulcahy
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
infection and immunity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.508
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1070-6313
pISSN - 0019-9567
DOI - 10.1128/iai.01445-06
Subject(s) - fasciola hepatica , biology , immunology , immune system , hepatica , coinfection , mycobacterium bovis , tuberculosis , disease , antigen , mycobacterium tuberculosis , helminths , virology , medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , pathology
Fasciola hepatica is a prevalent helminth parasite of livestock. Infection results in polarization of the host's immune response and generation of type 2 helper (Th2) immune responses, which are known to be inhibitory to Th1 responses. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a bacterial disease of economic and zoonotic importance. Control polices for this disease rely on extensive annual testing and a test-and-slaughter policy. The correct diagnosis of BTB relies on cell-mediated immune responses. We established a model of coinfection ofF. hepatica andMycobacterium bovis BCG to examine the impact of helminth infection on correct diagnosis. We found the predictive capacity of tests to be compromised in coinfected animals and thatF. hepatica infection altered macrophage function. Interleukin-4 and gamma interferon expression in whole-blood lymphocytes restimulated in vitro withM. bovis antigen was also altered in coinfected animals. These results raise the question of whetherF. hepatica infection can affect the predictive capacity of tests for the diagnosis of BTB and possibly also influence susceptibility to BTB and other bacterial diseases. Further studies on the interplay between helminth infection and BTB are warranted.