Schistosomiasis and infection with human immunodeficiency virus 1 in rural Zimbabwe: systemic inflammation during co-infection and after treatment for schistosomiasis

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We previously reported that treatment for schistosomiasis in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) attenuated HIV replication as measured by plasma HIV RNA. We investigated systemic inflammation as measured by plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor II (sTNF-rII), interleukin-8, (IL-8), and IL-10 during schistosomiasis and HIV co-infection and after schistosomiasis treatment. The cohort was composed of 378 persons who were or were not infected with HIV-1, Schistosoma haematobium, or S. mansoni. Schistosomiasis-infected persons were randomized to receive praziquantel (40 mg/kg) at baseline or at the three-month follow-up. sTNF-rII and IL-8 were positively associated with schistosomiasis intensity as measured by circulating anodic antigen (CAA), regardless of HIV status. Interleukin-10 was positively associated with CAA in HIV-negative participants. IL-8 levels were higher in S. mansoni-infected individuals. Treatment for schistosomiasis caused a decrease in levels of sTNF-rII (P < 0.05) and IL-10 (P < 0.001). Our results indicate that schistosomiasis treatment may attenuate HIV replication by decreasing systemic inflammation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume79
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)331-7
Number of pages7
ISSN0002-9637
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2008

    Research areas

  • Adolescent, Adult, Cohort Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Cytokines, Female, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Inflammation, Interleukin-10, Interleukin-8, Male, Middle Aged, Praziquantel, Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II, Schistosomiasis, Schistosomicides, Zimbabwe, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

ID: 180571072