Host-Parasite Relationship in Cystic Echinococcosis: An Evolving Story

Abstract

The larval stage ofEchinococcus granulosuscauses cystic echinococcosis, a neglected infectious disease that constitutes a major public health problem in developing countries. Despite being under constant barrage by the immune system,E. granulosusmodulates antiparasite immune responses and persists in the human hosts with detectable humoral and cellular responses against the parasite.In vitroandin vivoimmunological approaches, together with molecular biology and immunoproteomic technologies, provided us exciting insights into the mechanisms involved in the initiation ofE. granulosusinfection and the consequent induction and regulation of the immune response. Although the last decade has clarified many aspects of host-parasite relationship in human cystic echinococcosis, establishing the full mechanisms that cause the disease requires more studies. Here, we review some of the recent developments and discuss new avenues in this evolving story ofE. granulosusinfection in man.