Abstract
Skin immune responses to Sarcoptes scabiei: a role for IL-17 in pathogenesis of crusted scabies?
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Vol.87(5 supplement)
American Society for Tropical Medicine & Hygiene annual meeting, 2012 (Atlanta, United States, 11-Nov-2012–15-Nov-2012)
2012
Abstract
Crusted scabies is a severe clinical manifestation of Sarcoptes scabiei infection, resulting from a failure of the immune system to control mite proliferation. Detailed understanding of scabies immunopathology, particularly in crusted scabies, has been precluded by the inability to undertake longitudinal studies of infection in humans. Pigs are an excellent animal model for scabies as they are a natural host of S. scabiei, and show similar clinical, epidermal, and immunologic changes to humans. Moreover, crusted scabies can be readily established in pigs by treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX). We undertook a prospective study with 24 pigs in four treatment groups: a) Scabies+/DEX+, b) Scabies+/DEX-, c) Scabies-/DEX+ and d) Scabies-/DEX-. Pigs were scored for lesion development and parasite burden, and skin biopsies collected at monthly intervals. Histological profiling and qRT-PCR was undertaken to compare cellular changes and transcription of key Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. A range of clinical responses to S. scabiei were observed in both DEX treated and non-immunosuppressed pigs. An association was confirmed between disease severity and transcription of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, which were significantly increased 1-3 months post infection. We also observed significant up-regulation of the Th17 cytokines IL-17 and IL-23 in pigs with crusted scabies. Immunohistochemistry showed high numbers of lymphocytes and mast cells, and strong staining for IL-17. While an allergic Th2 type response has been previously described, this is the first evidence suggesting that the Th-17 pathway may also contribute to disease pathogenesis in crusted scabies. This work provides further insights into the characteristics of a dysregulated immune response in crusted scabies, and may lead to new treatment strategies to protect vulnerable subjects from contracting recurrent crusted scabies.
Details
- Title
- Skin immune responses to Sarcoptes scabiei: a role for IL-17 in pathogenesis of crusted scabies?
- Authors
- Kate E Mounsey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyShelley Walton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyHugh Murray (Author) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteCielo Pasay (Author) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteDeborah Holt (Author) - Menzies School of Health ResearchBart Currie (Author) - Menzies School of Health ResearchJames McCarthy (Author) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
- Publication details
- American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Vol.87(5 supplement)
- Conference details
- American Society for Tropical Medicine & Hygiene annual meeting, 2012 (Atlanta, United States, 11-Nov-2012–15-Nov-2012)
- Publisher
- American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Date published
- 2012
- ISSN
- 1476-1645; 0002-9637
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99513869702621
- Output Type
- Abstract
Metrics
17 Record Views