Cytokines in central nervous system trypanosomiasis: cause, effect or both?

Kennedy, P.G. (2009) Cytokines in central nervous system trypanosomiasis: cause, effect or both? Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 103(3), pp. 213-214. (doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.08.013)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.08.013

Abstract

The late, or encephalitic, stage of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is typified by a diffuse meningoencephalitis characterised neuropathologically by perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells. While the cause of this neuroinflammatory reaction is not understood, there is evidence for the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and counter-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, with the balance of these influencing disease outcome. Because of the practical difficulties of obtaining serial measurements in patients, it has proved difficult to assign either cause or effect properties to measured cytokines, but mechanistic animal modelling studies are proving helpful.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:African trypanosomiasis, sleeping sickness, central nervous system, cytokines, encephalitis, inflammation
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kennedy, Professor Peter
Authors: Kennedy, P.G.
Subjects:Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR180 Immunology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0035-9203
ISSN (Online):1878-3503
Published Online:23 September 2008

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