Immunology and Immunodiagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis: an Update

Overview

Journal Clin Dev Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2012 Jan 12

PMID 22235225

Citations 81

Authors

Wenbao Zhang

Hao Wen

Jun Li

Renyong Lin

Donald P McManus

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by the larval cystic stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. This complex multicellular pathogen produces various antigens which modulate the host immune response and promote parasite survival and development. The recent application of modern molecular and immunological approaches has revealed novel insights on the nature of the immune responses generated during the course of a hydatid infection, although many aspects of the Echinococcus-host interplay remain unexplored. This paper summarizes recent developments in our understanding of the immunology and diagnosis of echinococcosis, indicates areas where information is lacking, and suggests possible new strategies to improve serodiagnosis for practical application.

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