Immune response and prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Schistosoma haematobium among young adults in Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Edo State University Uzairue Edo State

Abstract

Background:  Abnormal immunological responses can occur due to interactions between parasites and their hosts during parasitic infections caused by protozoa and helminths. Aim: This study aimed to examine the immune response and prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Schistosoma haematobium infections among young adults in Nigeria. Material and methods: Initially, 325 young adults were recruited from the ETSAKO West local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. After exclusions, a total of 200 participants (100 females and 100 males, aged 18-39 years) were included in the study. Plasma levels of fibrinogen, TNFα, IL-10, HIV1p24ag+Ab, anti-HCV, and HBsAg were measured using ELISA in all participants. Microscopy was used to identify AFB (acid-fast bacilli) and parasites in wet and stained smears. Results: Among the 200 young adults studied, 62% (124/200) were uninfected with E. histolytica and S. haematobium (63/124 females and 61/124 males). Of the total participants, 38% (76/200) were infected with either E. histolytica or S. haematobium, with no evidence of multiple infections (37/200 females and 39/200 males). Among the infected individuals, 17% (34/200) were infected with E. histolytica (19/200 females and 15/200 males), while 21% (42/200) were infected with S. haematobium (18/200 females and 24/200 males). Young adults infected with either E. histolytica or S. haematobium had significantly higher levels of TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 in their plasma compared to the control subjects (p<0.05). The proportion of young adults infected with E. histolytica and S. haematobium was significantly lower than the proportion of uninfected individuals among the 200 participants (p<0.05). Additionally, the total number of young adults infected with either E. histolytica or S. haematobium was significantly higher than the number of individuals infected with only E. histolytica or S. haematobium (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study found an overall prevalence of 38% (76/200) for E. histolytica and S. haematobium infections among young adults, with no evidence of multiple infections. Among the infected individuals, 17% (34/200) were infected with E. histolytica and 21% (42/200) were infected with S. haematobium. The infected young adults showed significantly higher levels of TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 in their plasma compared to the uninfected individuals.

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Microbes and Infectious Diseases

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 February 2024

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