Parasite virulence, co-infections and cytokine balance in malaria

Pathog Glob Health. 2014 Jun;108(4):173-8. doi: 10.1179/2047773214Y.0000000139. Epub 2014 May 23.

Abstract

Strong early inflammatory responses followed by a timely production of regulatory cytokines are required to control malaria parasite multiplication without inducing major host pathology. Here, we briefly examine the homeostasis of inflammatory responses to malaria parasite species with varying virulence levels and discuss how co-infections with bacteria, viruses, and helminths can modulate inflammation, either aggravating or alleviating malaria-related morbidity.

Keywords: Cytokines,; Immunity,; Inflammation; Malaria,.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coinfection / immunology*
  • Cytokines / blood*
  • Homeostasis
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Malaria / immunology*
  • Malaria / pathology
  • Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*
  • Plasmodium vivax / immunology*
  • Species Specificity
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Cytokines