[Neuroendocrine effects of helminthiases (A review)].

Abstract

Nowadays the number of patients diagnosed with helminthiases shows tendency for steady growth around the world. During last few years, researches in the field of immunology have again turned their attention towards the question of parasitological immunity and tissue response. Helminthiases and other parasitic diseases in some instances can induce central nervous system disorders and violate human behavioral reactions. Studies have suggested an association between epilepsy and helminth infection, but a causal relationship is not established in many helminths, except perhaps with neurocysticercosis. The aim of this review is to reveal details of specific mechanisms of the general helminths’ impact on the nervous system and the endocrine control level of physiological functions of the host organism. Finally, we discuss the current gaps in knowledge about the interaction between helminths, immunity, and human endocrine system. Key words: helminths, immunity, hormones, cytokines.