Cellular immunodeficiency related to chronic dermatophytosis in a patient with Schistosoma mansoni infection: can schistosomiasis induce immunodeficiency?

Abstract: Here, we describe a case of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis that progressed to widespread persistent dermatophytosis. Significant T and B lymphocytopenia was confirmed. T-cell deficit is associated with increased susceptibility to fungal infections of skin and mucous membranes. The accumulation of a large amount of blood cells in the spleen could have played a crucial role in the development of lymphocytopenia in the present case. Alternatively, the schistosomiasis-induced increase in prostaglandin E2 levels could have inhibited the production of interferon-γ, a cytokine fundamental to fungal resistance. This case shows the potential of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis to impair the immune response.

摘要：本文报道1例进展为播散性持续性皮肤癣菌病的肝脾型血吸虫病（hepatosplenic schistosomiasis）病例。经检测确认，该患者存在显著的T、B淋巴细胞减少症。T细胞缺陷与皮肤及黏膜真菌感染的易感性升高密切相关。脾脏内大量血细胞蓄积，可能在本例淋巴细胞减少症的发生发展中发挥关键作用。此外，血吸虫病诱导的前列腺素E2（prostaglandin E2）水平升高，可抑制抗真菌免疫必需的细胞因子γ干扰素（interferon-γ）的产生。本病例表明，肝脾型血吸虫病具有损害机体免疫应答的潜在可能。