Schistosoma mansoni Enhances Host Susceptibility to Mucosal but Not Intravenous Challenge by R5 Clade C SHIV Parasites and Susceptibility to SHIV Acquisition

2011

Schistosoma mansoni and HIV Susceptibility

Sample size: 16 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Siddappa Nagadenahalli B., Hemashettar Girish, Shanmuganathan Vivekanandan, Semenya Amma A., Sweeney Elizabeth D., Paul Katherine S., Lee Sandra J., Secor W. Evan, Ruprecht Ruth M.

Primary Institution: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Hypothesis

Do parasitic infections increase host susceptibility to HIV-1 acquisition?

Conclusion

Schistosoma mansoni infection increases susceptibility to HIV-1 primarily at the mucosal level.

Supporting Evidence

Rhesus macaques with schistosomiasis were 17-fold more susceptible to SHIV-C after intrarectal exposure.
After intravenous challenge, no significant differences in viral loads were observed between infected and uninfected groups.
Over 90% of new HIV-1 infections occur through mucosal contact, highlighting the importance of mucosal health.

Takeaway

Having schistosomiasis makes it easier for the body to get HIV through mucosal contact, like during sex, but not through other ways like injections.

Methodology

Rhesus macaques were divided into two groups, one infected with Schistosoma mansoni and the other parasite-free, and both were challenged with SHIV-C via intravenous injection.