Childhood cryptosporidiosis is associated with a persistent systemic inflammatory response

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Sep 1;43(5):604-8. doi: 10.1086/506565. Epub 2006 Jul 26.

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis in young children prompts local inflammation in the intestinal tract. We studied a cohort of young children with cryptosporidiosis to determine whether systemic inflammatory responses occur and, if so, to evaluate whether inflammation persists after infection. Cryptosporidiosis was associated with increased levels of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor- alpha systemically, which persisted at 6 months after enrollment. The level of intestinal tumor necrosis factor- alpha was elevated at enrollment, but elevated levels did not persist. Worsening of malnutrition, particularly stunting, was observed after infection. The association of cryptosporidiosis, inflammation, and stunting in children with cryptosporidiosis warrants further evaluation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Protozoan / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cryptosporidiosis / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interferon-gamma / blood
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / blood
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Interferon-gamma