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

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017 Jan-Feb;50(1):141-144. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0107-2016.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / complications
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / immunology*
  • Splenic Diseases / complications
  • Splenic Diseases / immunology
  • Tinea / etiology
  • Tinea / immunology*