Effects of the probiotic Bacillus cereus GM on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni.

Probiotics contribute to the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and preventing dysbiosis caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as intestinal helminths. Bacillus cereus GM obtained from Biovicerin® was cultured to obtain spores for in vivo evaluation on experimental schistosomiasis. The assay was performed for 90 days, where all animals were infected with 50 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni on the 15th day. Three experimental groups were formed, as follows: G1-saline solution from the 1st until the 90th day; G2-B. cereus GM (105 spores in 300 µL of sterile saline) from the 1st until the 90th day; and G3-B. cereus GM 35th day (onset of oviposition) until the 90th day. G2 showed a significant reduction of 43.4% of total worms, 48.8% of female worms and 42.5% of eggs in the liver tissue. In G3, the reduction was 25.2%, 29.1%, and 44% of the total number of worms, female worms, and eggs in the liver tissue, respectively. G2 and G3 showed a 25% (p < 0.001) and 22% (p < 0.001) reduction in AST levels, respectively, but ALT levels did not change. ALP levels were reduced by 23% (p < 0.001) in the G2 group, but not in the G3. The average volume of granulomas reduced (p < 0.0001) 65.2% and 46.3% in the liver tissue and 83.0% and 53.2% in the intestine, respectively, in groups G2 and G3. Th1 profile cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and IL-17 were significantly increased (p < 0.001) stimulated with B. cereus GM in groups G2 and G3. IL-4 showed significant values when the stimulus was mediated by ConA. By modulating the immune response, B. cereus GM reduced the burden of worms, improved some markers of liver function, and reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reaction in mice infected with S. mansoni, especially when administered before infection.

Respiratory allergy symptoms and cytokine profiles in the presence of anti-Ascaris antibody in Giardia lamblia-infected children.

Anti-Ascaris lumbricoides (Asc) IgE and IgG can immunomodulate the allergy; however, the influence of these isotypes has not been investigated in the giardiasis and allergy. Therefore, the frequency of respiratory allergy (RA) symptoms in Giardia lamblia-infected children, with or without anti-Asc IgE, IgG1, or IgG4 and Th1, Th2/Treg, and Th17 cytokine production, was evaluated. We performed a case-control study with children aged 2-10 years old selected by questionnaire and stool exams to form the groups: infected or uninfected with RA (G-RA, n = 55; nG-RA, n = 43); infected and uninfected without RA (G-nRA, n = 59; nG-nRA, n = 54). We performed blood leukocyte counts and in vitro culture. Cytokine levels in the supernatants (CBA), serum total IgE and anti-Asc IgE (ImmunoCAP), IgG1, IgG4, and total IgA (ELISA) were measured. Infection was not associated with allergy. Infected children showed increased levels of anti-Asc IgG1, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. There was a lower frequency of allergy-related symptoms in anti-Asc IgG1-positive children than IgG1-negative (OR = 0.38; CI = 0.17-0.90, p = 0.027) and few eosinophils in G-RA than in G-nRA and more in G-nRA than in nG-nRA, whereas TNF-α levels were higher in the G-RA than in the nG-nRA group. For infected and positive anti-Asc IgG1, there was higher TNF-α and IL-10 production than G/-IgG1. IL-10 levels were lower in nG/ + IgG1 than in infected or non-infected, and both were negative for anti-Asc IgG1. Th1/Th2/IL-10 profiles were stimulated in the infected patients, and in those with circulating anti-Asc IgG1, the TNF-α production was strengthened with a lower risk for respiratory allergy symptoms.

Schistosoma mansoni infection decreases IL-33-mRNA expression and increases CXCL9 and CXCL10 production by peripheral blood cells.

Schistosoma mansoni infections, particularly egg antigens, induce Th2-dominant granulomatous responses accompanied by remarkable immunoregulatory mechanisms that avoid intense fibrosis. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine that stimulates the early activation of Th2 responses, and its soluble ST2 receptor (sST2) avoids granulomatous response, as well as CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines that have antifibrotic activity. However, in schistosomiasis, these molecules have not been suitably studied. Therefore, this study aimed to measure IL-33 and sST2 RNA, cytokines, and chemokines in peripheral blood cultures from individuals living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas. Peripheral blood cells from individuals with S. mansoni (n = 34) and non-infected individuals (n = 31) were cultured under mitogen stimulation. Supernatant chemokines and cytokines were evaluated using a cytometric bead array, and IL-33 and sST2 mRNA expression was measured using qPCR. Infected individuals showed higher levels of CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10; there was a lower expression of IL-33 mRNA and similar expression of sST2mRNA in infected than non-infected individuals. In conclusion, for the first time, we demonstrated lower IL-33mRNA expression and high levels of the antifibrotic chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 in schistosomiasis mansoni, which could control exacerbations of the disease in individuals from endemic areas.

Extract from Ascaris suum and N-acetyl-L-cysteine induces an immunosuppressant effect in model of autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Extract of adult Ascaris suum (ASC) worms attenuated the liver damage in experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) with induction of Th2 immune response, but fibrosis occurred. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) has protective effects against liver fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the association ASC + NAC on the T- and B-cell activation, inflammation and fibrogenic markers in the liver in EAH. METHODS: Experimental autoimmune hepatitis was induced intravenously with concanavalin A in BALB/c mice. EAH + ASC+NAC group received NAC and ASC; EAH + ASC group received ASC; EAH group received PBS. Doubly labelled CD4+ T (CD28, CTLA-4, CD40L or IL-10) and CD45R+ B lymphocytes (IL-10) and CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ cells were evaluated, along with gene expression of Col1a1, α-SMA, Fizz1, Arg1 and PPAR-γ and histomorphometry. RESULTS: Experimental autoimmune hepatitis group showed high frequency of CD28+ and CD40L+  T lymphocytes, but not the EAH + ASC group. In relation to EAH group, the Fizz1 expression was lower in both groups treated, but Arg1 expression was lower in only EAH + ASC+NAC group. In the EAH + ASC+NAC group, there were higher frequencies of CD4+ IL-10+ and CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ cells, but not CD45R+ IL-10+ , along with mitigated inflammation and collagen production. CONCLUSIONS: Ascaris suum favoured immunosuppression in EAH limiting the T cells activation. However, association ASC and NAC was necessary for attenuating the inflammatory process and collagen production.

Extract of Ascaris suum induces TGF-ß and early production of IgG1 in experimental autoimmune hepatitis / Extrato de Ascaris suum induz TGF-ß e produção precoce de IgG1 na hepatite autoimune experimental

Abstract In experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) of Th1 profile, an extract of adult Ascaris suum worms (ASC) was previously found to deviate the immune response to a Th2/IL-10 pattern. Here, the effects of treatment with ASC on production of TGF-β and the anti-Ascaris isotypes IgG1 and IgG2a in EAH were evaluated. EAH was induced in BALB/c mice, intravenously with concanavalin A. Two hours later, these animals received ASC (EAH+ASC group) or PBS vehicle (EAH group). IgG1 and IgG2a were evaluated 8 h, 24 h and 7 d after induction. TGF-β was measured in a splenocyte culture at this last time. The isotype levels in the EAH group were low throughout the kinetics. In the EAH+ASC group, there was significant production of IgG1 at 24 h and 7 d, but of IgG2a only at 7 d. There was statistically greater production of TGF-β in the EAH+ASC group. The higher levels of IgG1 and TGF-β in this group suggest that an additional Th1 response control route exists in EAH, which needs to be investigated.

Resumo Na hepatite autoimune experimental (HAE) de perfil Th1, o extrato de vermes adultos Ascaris suum (ASC) desviou a resposta imune para um padrão Th2/IL-10. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados os efeitos do tratamento com ASC na produção TGF-β e dos isótipos de IgG1 e IgG2a anti-Ascaris na HAE. Esta foi induzida em camundongos BALB/c intravenosamente com Concanavalina A. Após duas horas, os animais receberam ASC (grupo HAE+ASC) ou veículo PBS (grupo HAE). IgG1 e IgG2a foram avaliados em 8 horas, 24 horas e 7 dias após indução. TGF-β foi mensurado em cultura de esplenócitos nesse último tempo. Os níveis dos isótipos no grupo HAE foram baixos durante toda a cinética. No grupo HAE+ASC, houve produção significativa de IgG1 em 24 horas e 7 dias, mas somente em 7 dias para IgG2a. A produção de TGF-β foi estatisticamente maior no grupo HAE+ASC. Níveis mais altos de IgG1 e TGF-β nesse grupo sugerem uma via adicional de controle da resposta Th1 na HAE que precisa ser investigada.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mice differentially alters the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in adult offspring

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.

Maternal schistosomiasis: IL-2, IL-10 and regulatory T lymphocytes to unrelated antigen in adult offspring mice

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We evaluated IL-10, IL-2 and regulatory T cells (Treg), in response to ovalbumin (OA), in offspring from schistosomotic mouse mothers. METHODS: We used animals born (BIM) or suckled (SIM) from infected mothers; and mice born/suckled from infected (BSIM) or non-infected mothers (CONTROL). After OA+adjuvant immunization, spleen cells were cultured, with or without OA, and doubly marked for cytometry. RESULTS: BIM showed fewer CD4+/IL-2+ and more B220+/IL-10+ cells, whereas the SIM group showed increased Treg frequency. BSIM had fewer B220+/IL-10+ and Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS: Separately, gestation or nursing induced immunosuppressive cells in infected mothers, but improved anti-OA immunity when combined.

New 1,3-benzodioxole derivatives: Synthesis, evaluation of in vitro schistosomicidal activity and ultrastructural analysis.

Schistosomiasis is considered a serious public health problem in 78 countries and territories located in Africa, Asia and America and it is estimated in more than 249 million people infected by any of the species of Schistosoma. The exclusive use of praziquantel (PZQ), effective drug against all species of Schistosoma, has been the basis of the development of a possible resistance against the strains of this parasite. In addition, PZQ is not effective against young forms of worms. Thus, there is a need for the development of new drugs with schistosomicidal activity. The objective of this work was to synthesize and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of new benzodioxole derivatives (3-14) candidates for schistosomicidal drugs. All compounds synthesized showed in vitro schistosomicidal activity. The derivative 12 was considered the best compound, since it took 100% of worms to mortality in the first 72 h of exposure at the concentration of 100 µM and 83.3% at the concentration of 50 µM. Furthermore, male and female adult worms, incubated for 24 h with the compound 12 showed tegument damages characterized by extensive desquamation and edema, tuber destruction, bubble formation and exposure of the muscle layer. This compound has a restricted structure, where the thiazolidinone is attached to the 4-position of the 1,3-benzodioxol ring. The structural conformation of derivative 12 was probably responsible for the promising schistosomicidal activity, where the presence of an electron/conformational restriction of the thiazolidine ring, as well as the action of bromine as a bulk substitute, favored an increase in biological activity. In addition, tegumentary changes caused by derivative 12 may also have been responsible for the death of adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Therefore, we verified that the results obtained in this study make benzodioxole derivatives possible candidates for prototypes of new schistosomicidal drugs.

Bone marrow-derived monocyte infusion improves hepatic fibrosis by decreasing osteopontin, TGF-ß1, IL-13 and oxidative stress.

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived CD11b+CD14+ monocytes in a murine model of chronic liver damage. METHODS: Chronic liver damage was induced in C57BL/6 mice by administration of carbon tetrachloride and ethanol for 6 mo. Bone marrow-derived monocytes isolated by immunomagnetic separation were used for therapy. The cell transplantation effects were evaluated by morphometry, biochemical assessment, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: CD11b+CD14+ monocyte therapy significantly reduced liver fibrosis and increased hepatic glutathione levels. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß, in addition to pro-fibrotic factors, such as IL-13, transforming growth factor-ß1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 also decreased, while IL-10 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 increased in the monocyte-treated group. CD11b+CD14+ monocyte transplantation caused significant changes in the hepatic expression of α-smooth muscle actin and osteopontin. CONCLUSION: Monocyte therapy is capable of bringing about improvement of liver fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as increasing anti-fibrogenic factors.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mothers differently modulate the immune response of adult offspring to postnatal Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Schistosoma mansoni antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation, and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-g, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants. Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses could be partially restored in infected descendants.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mothers differently modulate the immune response of adult offspring to postnatal Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosoma mansoni antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation, and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-g, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants. Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses could be partially restored in infected descendants.

Maternal schistosomiasis alters costimulatory molecules expression in antigen-presenting cells from adult offspring mice.

Adult offspring of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice showed alterations in immunity to a heterologous antigen, ovalbumin (OA). Prior breastfeeding induced increased production of anti-OA antibodies, while pregnancy impaired it. Here, we investigated the expression of costimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of the adult offspring of S. mansoni-infected mothers in response to OA. Newborn mice were divided into three groups: animals Born Infected Mothers (BIM) suckled by non-infected mothers; animals from non-infected mothers Suckled Infected Mothers (SIM); and another group of mice born from and suckled by non-infected mothers (CONTROL). The adult offspring were immunized with subcutaneous OA+adjuvant, and 3-8days following immunization, double labeling was performed (CD45R/B220 or CD11c and CD80, CD86, CD40 or HLA-DR) on spleen cells. In comparison to the CONTROL group, an early increased frequency of CD40+/CD80+ B cells was observed in SIM mice (p<0.001/p<0.05), but no alteration of CD11c+ cells was observed. In contrast, in BIM mice, the frequency of CD86+/CD11c+ cells (p<0.05) and CD40+/CD80+/CD86+ B cells (p<0.01/p<0.01/p<0.05) was drastically reduced. In conclusion, previous suckling by S. mansoni-infected mothers enabled improved antigen presentation by B cells in adult offspring, whereas gestation in these mothers imprinted offspring with weak antigen presentation by APCs during the immune response to a non-related antigen.

Features to validate cerebral toxoplasmosis

Introduction Neurotoxoplasmosis (NT) sometimes manifests unusual characteristics. Methods We analyzed 85 patients with NT and AIDS according to clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, cranial magnetic resonance, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) characteristics. Results In 8.5%, focal neurological deficits were absent and 16.4% had single cerebral lesions. Increased sensitivity of PCR for Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the central nervous system was associated with pleocytosis and presence of >4 encephalic lesions. Conclusions Patients with NT may present without focal neurological deficit and NT may occur with presence of a single cerebral lesion. Greater numbers of lesions and greater cellularity in cerebrospinal fluid improve the sensitivity of PCR to T gondii. .

Immunohistopathological changes in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni under the influence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

The main pathology associated with Schistosomiasis mansoni is granulomatous inflammation that may develop into hepatosplenic disease with fibrosis and hepatoesplenomegaly. It is known that N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduces tissue damage in chronic liver diseases owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties. In this study, we investigated the imunohistopathological changes in murine schistosomiasis mansoni under the influence of NAC, in combination with Praziquantel (PZQ) or not. Three groups of mice were formed to evaluate the effects of NAC during infection in the acute, intermediate, and chronic phases. Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups: NAC, PZQ, NAC + PZQ and control (without treatment). Oral administration of NAC (200 mg/kg/day) was carried out on the first day after infection for the acute phase and on the 45th for the intermediate and chronic phases for 59 and 45, 75 days, respectively. PZQ (100 mg/kg/day), was given orally by gavage from the 45th to 49th day after infection. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue provided evidence that combined NAC + PZQ treatment reduced the development of granulomas observed in the chronic phase. Animals treated with NAC and/or PZQ showed a reduction in the size of granulomas and all those treated with NAC exhibited a lower degree of fibrosis. In all groups, NAC decreased the synthesis of interferon-γ and nitric oxide, while increasing the levels of interleukin-10, but it did not influence the production of interleukin-4. On the whole, NAC treatment induced an immunomodulatory effect and reduced liver damage during the granulomatous inflammation in S. mansoni-infected mice.

Study of the activity of 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one against Schistosomiasis mansoni in mice.

Previous studies conducted with the imidazolidinic derivative 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one (LPSF-PT05) show outstanding activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. In the first phase of this study, S. mansoni-infected mice were treated, orally, with 100 mg/Kg of the LPSF-PT05 in three formulations: Tween 80 and saline solution, oil/water (70 : 30) emulsion, and solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol (PEG). In the second phase, three other doses of the LPSF-PT05 in PEG were tested: 3, 10, 30 mg/kg. These treatment regimens significantly reduced the number of recovered worms due to increases in the solubility of the compound in this formulation; the greatest reduction (70.5%) was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg. There was no changes in the pattern of mature egg compared to immature eggs; however there was a significant increase in the number of dead eggs. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue showed changes in morphological aspects of the hepatic parenchyma with decrease exudative-productive hepatic granuloma stages, although we found no significant differences in IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, or NO production in response to the specific antigen SEA. The results show the derivative LPSF-PT05 to be a potential candidate in the etiological treatment of schistosomiasis with a possible dampening effect of the granulomatous process.

Transferência passiva de anticorpos específicos para antígenos de Schistosoma mansoni em camundongos nascidos ou amamentados em mães esquistossomóticas / Passive transfer of Schistosoma mansoni antigens-specific antibodies in mice born or suckled by schistosomotic mothers

Objetivo - Estudos experimentais demonstraram que mães infectadas pelo Schistosoma mansoni modulam a imunidade para antígenos homólogos, dos descendentes adultos, através do contato prévio com anticorpos anti-Schistosoma durante o período pré-natal junto à amamentação. Descendentes adultos de mães esquistossomóticas apresentaram alteração na imunidade para um antígeno heterólogo, Ovalbumina (OA): amamentação induziu maior produção de imunoglobulinas anti-OA, enquanto a gestação levou à supressão destas imunoglobulinas. A fim de esclarecer a participação dos anticorpos anti-Schistosoma maternos na alteração da imunidade dos descendentes adultos, os anticorpos contra antígenos solúveis dos ovos (SEA) e dos vermes (SWAP) em descendentes gerados ou apenas amamentados em mães esquistossomóticas foram dosados. Métodos - Camundongos recém-nascidos foram divididos em: animais nascidos de Mães Infectadas (MI) e amamentados em mães não-infectadas; animais nascidos de mães não-infectadas e Amamentados em mães Infectadas (AI); animais nascidos e amamentados em mães infectadas (MIAI) ou não-infectadas (Controle). Os animais foram sangrados 21, 45, 60 e 77 dias, após nascimento e os isótipos IgG1 e IgG2a dosados, no plasma, por ELISA. Resultados - Foi detectado IgG1, mas não IgG2a, principalmente anti-SEA, tanto no grupo MI como nos grupos AI e MIAI. A transferência pela amamentação foi mais efetiva (maiores níveis e manutenção durante a cinética). Conclusões - O isótipo IgG1 anti-SEA presente no grupo MI, bem como no grupo AI, exclui a associação dos anticorpos antiparasita e melhora da imunidade heteróloga dos descendentes amamentados em mães esquistossomótica. Este estudo enfoca o importante papel da amamentação em transferir de forma eficaz anticorpos anti-SEA para indivíduos de área endêmica para esquistossomose.

Objective - Experimental studies have demonstrated that Schistosoma mansoni infected mothers modulate immunity to homologous antigen, in their adult offspring, through prior contact with anti-Schistosoma antibodies during the prenatal period plus breastfeeding. Adult offspring of schistosomotic mothers showed alterations in immunity to a heterologous antigen, ovalbumin (OA): breastfeeding induced higher production of anti-OA immunoglobulin, while the pregnancy led to suppression of this immunoglobulin. In order to study the participation of the maternal anti-Schistosoma antibodies and change in the heterologous immunity in adult offspring, antibodies against soluble egg antigen (SEA) and worms (SWAP) in offspring born or only breastfed by schistosomotic mothers were measured. Methods - Newborn mice were divided into: animals Born from Infected Mothers (BIM) suckled by non-infected mothers; animals from non-infected mothers Suckled by Infected Mothers (SIM); and mice Born and Suckled in Infected Mothers (BSIM) or non-infected (Control) mothers. The animals were bled 21,45, 60, 77 days, after birth, and IgG1 and IgG2a serum isotypes were measured by ELISA. Results - It was detected IgG1, but not IgG2a, mainly anti-SEA in a group BIM and in the groups SIM and BSIM. The transfer by breastfeeding was more effective (higher levels and maintenance during the kinetic). Conclusions - The anti-SEA IgG1 isotype detected in the group BIM, as well as, in the SIM, excludes the association of anti-parasite antibodies and the improvement of heterologous immunity in offspring nursed by schistosomotic mothers. This study highlights the important role of breastfeeding as effective way to transfer anti-SEA antibodies for individuals from an endemic area for schistosomiasis.