Helminths, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

The probable link with AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) is that chronic helminthic infection impairs the cellular immune response needed to prevent infection by HIV and mycobacterium TB. It was noted that the risk of pediatric HIV and TB may increase when mothers have worms because their immune profile reaches the fetus and persists in young children. At a workshop attended by researchers from different countries and disciplines it was revealed that ascaris polarizes the immune response in young adults to T helper 2 cells which might increase the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. In addition filarial worms were also noted to cause an increase in the susceptibility of monocytes to be infected with HIV. With regards to TB impaired efficacy of Bacille-Calmette-Guerin vaccine during helminthic infection was confirmed. It was pointed out that programs for the prevention of helminthiasis need to incorporate poverty alleviation effective sanitation and supply of clean water appropriate education and deworming programs.