Abstract
The promoter region of human interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene is highly polymorphic while the first intronic region of interferon gamma (IFN-ï§) gene is also highly polymorphic. These polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility or resistance to Schistosoma haematobium infection. Schistosomiasis is known to be a highly inflammatory disease that requires the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The polymorphisms are associated with low, moderate or high cytokine production resulting in exacerbation of the infection leading to pathological severity. Urine filtration technique was used for diagnosis the S. haematobium. Whole blood samples were collected from 400 children aged between 6 to 13 years. Molecular determination of polymorphism related to resistance or susceptibility to infection was performed using the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. SNPs in the IL-10 and IFN-ï§ cytokine genes were examined in blood samples from 400 school-aged children. Schistosomiasis was detected in 49.8% (199). For IFN-ï§ +874A/T, the distribution of TT, TA and AA was 7, 41 and 51% respectively. An analysis of the polymorphisms on IL-10 -1082G/A showed that most of the samples were heterozygous (47% GA) whereas AA (32%) and GG (21%) were monozygous. SNPs within the promoter region of IL-10 gene and in the intronic region of IFN-ï§ have been associated with altered profiles of circulating IL-10 and IFN-ï§. Our findings suggest that IL-10 and IFN-ï§ polymorphisms participate in the progression of schistosomiasis rather than in its initial development in school aged children. It is recommended to study more polymorphisms in the other cytokines implicated in schistosomiasis. Key words: Polymorphism, cytokine, Schistosoma haematobium, interleukin-10, interferon gamma.  
Highlights
Digenetic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma are responsible for the spread of schistosomiasis (Rowel et al, 2015)
The promoter region of human interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene is highly polymorphic while the first intronic region of interferon gamma (IFN- ) gene is highly polymorphic
Our findings suggest that IL-10 and IFN- polymorphisms participate in the progression of schistosomiasis rather than in its initial development in school aged children
Summary
Digenetic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma are responsible for the spread of schistosomiasis (Rowel et al, 2015). Schistosomiasis is second in importance to malaria among the major tropical parasitic diseases and is endemic in at least 76 tropical and subtropical countries (Gasim et al, 2015). Infection with Schistosoma haematobium leads to severe urinary schistosomiasis in the majority of the individuals. Schistosomiasis is an infection of the intestinal or urinary system by one or more several species of Schistosoma (Chitsulo et al, 2000). S. haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are of medical importance in Zimbabwe with S. haematobium being the most prevalent (Ndhlovu, 1994; Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, 2010). Schistosomiasis causes anaemia by inducing pro-inflammatory cytokinemediated dyserythropoiesis, a common feature seen in anaemia associated with inflammation (Leenstra et al, 2006). Praziquantel has been used to treat a variety of human trematode infections and is currently the drug of choice for schistosomiasis (Aragon et al, 2009)
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