Transmission consequences of coinfection: cytokines writ large?

Trends Parasitol. 2007 Jun;23(6):284-91. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.04.005. Epub 2007 Apr 26.

Abstract

Coinfection of a host by multiple parasite species is commonly observed and recent epidemiological work indicates that coinfection can enhance parasite transmission. This article proposes an immunoepidemiological framework to understand how within-host interactions during coinfection might affect between-host transmission. Cytokines, immune signalling molecules with a fundamental role in the amplification of antiparasitic effector mechanisms, provide a useful way to simplify immunological complexity for this endeavour--focusing on cytokines offers analytical tractability without sacrificing realism. Testable predictions about the epidemiological consequences of coinfection are generated by this conceptual framework.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Parasites / pathogenicity*
  • Parasites / physiology
  • Parasitic Diseases / complications
  • Parasitic Diseases / immunology
  • Parasitic Diseases / parasitology
  • Parasitic Diseases / transmission
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Cytokines