Baqai R, Kazmi S, Qureshi H.
Role of cytokines in giardiasis.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;50(4):113-5.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of interleukins with G. lamblia infection. METHODS: Serum interleukins were estimated in 42 patients suffering from giardiasis and 42 apparently healthy controls. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) was also studied in 14 patients and 14 controls. Interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) and TNF alpha were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: IL-4 was present in 14 (33.3%) patients (mean value 220 pg/ml) and 8 (19%) controls (mean value 93 pg/ml). IL-10 was present in 5 (12%) patients (mean value 57 pg/ml) and 6 (14%) controls (mean value 79 pg/ml). IL-2 was present in one patient only but absent in controls. TNF alpha was not detected in patients but was present in 2 (14.2%) controls (mean value 75 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that IL-4 being an inflammatory regulator appears to have some relationship with giardiasis, while TNF alpha was not detected in patients probably because G. lamblia is a non invasive parasite.

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