Wolbachia's Role in Neutrophil Recruitment Against Onchocerca ochengi
Author Information
Author(s): Hansen Rowena D. E., Trees Alexander J., Bah Germanus S., Hetzel Udo, Martin Coralie, Bain Odile, Tanya Vincent N., Makepeace Benjamin L.
Primary Institution: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
Does Wolbachia influence the immune response in cattle infected with Onchocerca ochengi?
Conclusion
Wolbachia enhances the longevity of Onchocerca ochengi by manipulating the immune response, diverting eosinophils away from killing the worms.
Supporting Evidence
- Wolbachia depletion led to increased eosinophil degranulation in treated cattle.
- Neutrophil counts were inversely correlated with eosinophil degranulation.
- Oxytetracycline treatment resulted in significant changes in immune cell ratios.
- Melarsomine did not affect Wolbachia viability, confirming its role as a control adulticide.
Takeaway
Wolbachia helps the worms live longer by tricking the immune system into not attacking them.
Methodology
Cattle infected with Onchocerca ochengi were treated with either oxytetracycline or melarsomine, and immune responses were analyzed through histopathology and gene expression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in treatment allocation and the small sample size may affect the results.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific cattle population and may not generalize to all hosts or filarial species.
Participant Demographics
Cattle (Bos indicus) naturally infected with Onchocerca ochengi.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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