scholarly journals Lymphocyte Populations in the Adventitial Layer of Hydatid Cysts in Cattle: Relationship With Cyst Fertility Status and Fasciola Hepatica Co-Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Jiménez ◽  
Caroll Stoore ◽  
Christian Hidalgo ◽  
Felipe Corrêa ◽  
Marcela Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Hydatid Cyst ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Hydatid Cysts ◽  
T And B Cells ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Adventitial Layer

Cystic echinococcosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Two types of hydatid cysts occur in intermediate hosts: fertile cysts that generate protoscoleces from the germinal layer of the cyst, and infertile cysts that do not produce protoscoleces and are unable to continue the life cycle of the parasite. The adventitial layer, a host-derived fibrous capsule surrounding the hydatid cyst, is suggested to play an important role in local immune regulation during infection and in fertility of the cysts. Fasciola hepatica, another important parasite of cattle, induces a characteristic Th2-like immune response that could modulate the immune response against E. granulosus. Natural co-infection of both parasites is common in cattle, but no reports describe the local immune response against E. granulosus with F. hepatica infection in the same host. This study analyzed the number and distribution of T and B cells in the adventitial layer of liver and lung cysts and the relationship with cyst fertility and F. hepatica co-infection. T lymphocytes were the predominant cell type in the adventitial layer of infertile hydatid cysts and were more numerous in infertile hydatid cysts. B lymphocyte numbers were not associated with hydatid cyst fertility. Mast cells were infrequent in the adventitial layer. The number of T and B cells was not associated with F. hepatica co-infection. The present study contributes to the understanding of local immune responses in bovine cystic echinococcosis.

scholarly journals New insights of the local immune response against both fertile and infertile hydatid cysts

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Hidalgo ◽  
Caroll Stoore ◽  
Karen Strull ◽  
Carmen Franco ◽  
Felipe Corrêa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Hydatid Cyst ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hydatid Cysts ◽  
Germinal Layer ◽  
Adventitial Layer ◽  
Host Origin ◽  
Laminated Layer

AbstractBackgroundCystic echinococcosis is caused by the metacestode of the zoonotic flatworm Echinococcus granulosus. Within the viscera of the intermediate host, the metacestode grows as a unilocular cyst known as hydatid cyst. This cyst is comprised of two layers of parasite origin: germinal and laminated layers, and one of host origin: the adventitial layer, that encapsulates the parasite. This adventitial layer is composed of collagen fibers, epithelioid cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes. To establish itself inside the host, the germinal layer produces the laminated layer, and to continue its life cycle, generates protoscoleces. Some cysts are unable to produce protoscoleces, and are defined as infertile cysts. The molecular mechanisms involved in cyst fertility are not clear, however, the host immune response could play a crucial role.Methodology/Principal fidingsWe collected hydatid cysts from both liver and lungs of slaughtered cattle, and histological sections of fertile, infertile and small hydatid cysts were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. A common feature observed in infertile cysts was the disorganization of the laminated layer by the infiltration of host immune cells. These infiltrating cells eventually destroy parts of laminated layer. Immunohistochemical analysis of both parasite and host antigens, identify these cells as cattle macrophages and are present inside the cysts associated to germinal layer.Conclusions/SignificanceThis is the first report that indicates to cell from immune system present in adventitial layer of infertile bovine hydatid cysts could disrupt the laminated layer, infiltrating and probably causing the infertility of cyst.Author SummaryCystic echinococcosis is caused by the zoonotic flatworm Echinococcus granulosus. Within the viscera of the intermediate host, mainly liver and lungs of herbivores such as cows and sheep as well as human beings, the parasite grows as a unilocular cyst known as hydatid cyst. These cysts develop in their inner chamber a structure known as protoscolex, when consumed by the definitive host (e.g. dogs), it grows into a worm that resides in the small intestine and produces eggs that contaminate the environment. In cattle, most hydatid cysts are unable to produce protoscoleces, and thus are termed infertile hydatid cysts. The molecular mechanisms that explain the causes of hydatid cyst infertility remain unknown. We routinely collected cattle hydatid cysts from both liver and lugs and processed them for histological analysis. We found that there is a subset of fertile hydatid cysts that have low protoscolex viability and high immune infiltration surrounding the cyst. All infertile cysts have high immune infiltration, and many of them show disruption of the laminated layer and immune cells of host origin inside the cyst. This is the first report that shows that the cyst can be infiltrated by the host immune system.

scholarly journals Response patterns in adventitial layer of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto cysts from naturally infected cattle and sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Hidalgo ◽  
Caroll Stoore ◽  
María Soledad Baquedano ◽  
Ismael Pereira ◽  
Carmen Franco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Granulomatous Reaction ◽  
Adventitial Layer ◽  
Laminated Layer ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

AbstractCystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The disease is characterized by the development of cystic structures inside viscera of the intermediate host, mainly liver and lungs. These cysts are formed by three layers: germinal, laminated, and adventitial layer, the latter being the local host immune response. Metacestodes that develop protoscoleces, the infective stage to the definitive host, are termed fertile, whereas cysts that do not produce protoscoleces are termed non-fertile. Sheep usually harbor fertile cysts while cattle usually harbor non-fertile cysts. Adventitial layers with fibrotic resolution are associated to fertile cysts, whereas a granulomatous reaction is associated with non-fertile cysts. The aim of this study was to analyze cellular distribution in the adventitial layer of fertile and non-fertile E. granulosus sensu stricto cysts found in liver and lungs of cattle and sheep. A total of 418 cysts were analyzed, 203 from cattle (8 fertile and 195 non-fertile) and 215 from sheep (64 fertile and 151 non-fertile). Fertile cysts from cattle showed mixed patterns of response, with fibrotic resolution and presence of granulomatous response in direct contact with the laminated layer, while sheep fertile cysts always displayed fibrotic resolution next to the laminated layer. Cattle non-fertile cysts display a granulomatous reaction in direct contact with the laminated layer, whereas sheep non-fertile cysts display a granulomatous reaction, but in direct contact with the fibrotic resolution. This shows that cattle and sheep cystic echinococcosis cysts have distinct local immune response patterns, which are associated to metacestode fertility.

scholarly journals Attenuation of Apoptosis Underlies B Lymphocyte Stimulator Enhancement of Humoral Immune Response

2000 ◽  
Vol 192 (7) ◽  
pp. 953-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard K.G. Do ◽  
Eunice Hatada ◽  
Hayyoung Lee ◽  
Michelle R. Tourigny ◽  
David Hilbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
T Cell ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
B Cell Survival ◽  
B Lymphocyte Stimulator

B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a newly identified monocyte-specific TNF family cytokine. It has been implicated in the development of autoimmunity, and functions as a potent costimulator with antiimmunoglobulin M in B cell proliferation in vitro. Here we demonstrate that BLyS prominently enhances the humoral responses to both T cell–independent and T cell–dependent antigens, primarily by attenuation of apoptosis as evidenced by the prolonged survival of antigen-activated B cells in vivo and in vitro. BLyS acts on primary splenic B cells autonomously, and directly cooperates with CD40 ligand (CD40L) in B cell activation in vitro by protecting replicating B cells from apoptosis. Moreover, although BLyS alone cannot activate the cell cycle, it is sufficient to prolong the survival of naive resting B cells in vitro. Attenuation of apoptosis by BLyS correlates with changes in the ratios between Bcl-2 family proteins in favor of cell survival, predominantly by reducing the proapoptotic Bak and increasing its prosurvival partners, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. In either resting or CD40L-activated B cells, the NF-κB transcription factors RelB and p50 are specifically activated, suggesting that they may mediate BLyS signals for B cell survival. Together, these results provide direct evidence for BLyS enhancement of both T cell–independent and T cell–dependent humoral immune responses, and imply a role for BLyS in the conservation of the B cell repertoire. The ability of BLyS to increase B cell survival indiscriminately, at either a resting or activated state, and to cooperate with CD40L, further suggests that attenuation of apoptosis underlies BLyS enhancement of polyclonal autoimmunity as well as the physiologic humoral immune response.

scholarly journals Tracing the development of single memory-lineage B cells in a highly defined immune response.

1996 ◽  
Vol 183 (5) ◽  
pp. 2053-2063 ◽  
Author(s):  
A H Liu ◽  
P K Jena ◽  
L J Wysocki
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Clonal Selection ◽  
Germinal Centers ◽  
Primary Immune Response ◽  
Taq Polymerase ◽  
Predominant Component ◽  
V Genes ◽  
V Gene

To study the development of B lymphocyte memory, we identified and isolated splenic B cells expressing a highly defined antibody variable region that constitutes a reproducible and predominant component of the memory antibody response to p-azophenylarsonate (Ars). Isolation was achieved during the primary immune response by surface staining and flow cytometry using a specific anti-idiotypic antibody called E4, which recognizes this canonical V region, encoded by one set of V gene segments. The isolated E4+ cells displayed all of the phenotypic characteristics of germinal center centrocytes, including a low level of surface Ig, a lack of surface IgD, a high level of receptor for peanut agglutinin, and expression of mutated antibody V genes. E4+ B cells were first detected in the spleen 7-8 d after primary immunization, reached peak numbers from days 10-13, and waned by day 16. Surprisingly, at their peak, E4+ cells comprised only 40,000 of all splenocytes, and half of these failed to bind Ars. Using this number, we estimate the total number of Ars-specific memory-lineage cells in the spleen to be no more than 50,000 (0.1%) at any one time, and presumably far fewer that are committed to the memory pool. Chromosomal copies of rearranged V genes from single E4+ cells were amplified by nested PCR, and the amplified products were sequenced directly without cloning, using standardized conditions that disclose virtually no Taq polymerase errors. V gene sequence analyses of E4+ cells isolated from single mice confirmed their canonical nature and revealed that they were derived from few precursors. In the average mouse, the E4+ pool was derived from fewer than five canonical precursors. Somatic mutations were found within the V genes of almost all cell isolates. At day 13, a significant fraction of E4+ cells had mutations known to increase antibody affinity for Ars, suggesting they were products of at least one cycle of post-mutational antigen-driven selection. However, the lack of shared mutations by clonally related cells indicated that the selective expansion of mutant subclones typical of memory responses had not yet taken place. This was supported by the observation that half of the E4+ cells failed to bind Ars. Collectively, our results indicate that the memory compartment is a highly selected entity, even at relatively early stages of the primary immune response when somatic mutation and clonal selection are still in progress. If germinal centers are the source of memory B cells, our data suggest that B cell memory may be derived from only a small fraction of all germinal centers.

scholarly journals The VP6 Protein of Rotavirus Interacts with a Large Fraction of Human Naive B Cells via Surface Immunoglobulins

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (22) ◽  
pp. 12489-12496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Parez ◽  
Antoine Garbarg-Chenon ◽  
Cynthia Fourgeux ◽  
Françoise Le Deist ◽  
Annabelle Servant-Delmas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Lymphocytes ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Memory Cell ◽  
Viral Gastroenteritis ◽  
Human B Cells ◽  
Surface Immunoglobulins ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACT Immunity to human group A rotavirus (RV), a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants, involves B lymphocytes that provide RV-specific antibodies. Additionally, some arguments suggest that naive B cells could be implicated in the first steps of the immune response against RV. The aim of our study was to analyze the interaction of VP6 and VP7 RV capsid proteins with human B cells depending on the immune status of the individual, i.e., naive or RV experienced. For this purpose, a two-color virus-like particle flow cytometry assay was devised to evaluate the blood B-lymphocyte reactivity to VP6 and VP7 proteins from healthy RV-exposed adults, recently infected infants, and neonates at birth. Both VP6 and VP7 interactions with B cells were mediated by surface immunoglobulins and probably by their Fab portions. VP7-reactive B lymphocytes were mainly detected from RV-experienced patients and almost exclusively in the CD27-positive memory cell fraction. Conversely, VP6-reactive B lymphocytes were detected at similar and high frequencies in adult, infant, and neonate samples. In adult samples, VP6 reacted with about 2% of the CD27-negative (CD27neg) naive B cells. These results demonstrated that the VP6 RV protein interacted with a large fraction of naive B lymphocytes from both adults and neonates. We propose that naive B cell-VP6 interaction might influence the strength and quality of the acquired immune response and should be considered for elaborating RV vaccine strategies.

Selection of Criteria for Assessing Protective Immunity at Different Times of Experimental Tularemia in a Mouse Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-77
Author(s):  
G.M. Titareva ◽  
A.N. Mokrievich ◽  
T.I. Kombarova ◽  
G.M. Vakhrameeva ◽  
R.I. Mironova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Vaccine Strain ◽  
Protective Immunity ◽  
T And B Cells ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Protective Properties ◽  
Virulent Strains ◽  
Ifn Γ

It is known that the body's defense against infection by the intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis is provided by the activation of the cellular and humoral immune response. However, their role in long-term protection (25 years and more) against virulent strains of F. tularensis is not well understood. The identification of clear criteria for assessing protective immunity to the tularemia causative agent at different times after vaccination will make it possible to more efficiently develop new genetically determined vaccine strains. The goal of our research was to select and assess immunological parameters reflecting the protective properties of the vaccine strain F. tularensis 15 NIIEG and its derivatives, F. tularensis 15/23-1∆recA and F. tularensis 15/ 23-1/sodB∆recA, in the long term after immunization. To assess the functional activity of T and B cells, flow cytometry was used.The assessment of the production of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A and titers of specific class G immunoglobulins to F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)in blood serum was performed by ELISA on days 30, 60, 90 and 180 after immunization. Evaluation of the protective properties of vaccine preparations in the above-mentioned terms was carried out after subcutaneous infection with test-infecting virulent strains, Schu and 503 of tularensis and holarctica subspecies, respectively. It was shown that vaccination with the studied strains in 100% of cases protected from infection with the strain 503 of the holarctica subspecies, analogous to the vaccine strain. When infected with a virulent Schu strain of the hetrologous tularensis subspecies, a decrease in the effectiveness of protection was observed starting from 60 days after immunization. Evaluation of immunological parameters showed that at all studied periods after immunization, IgG antibodies to F. tularensis LPS were detected in the blood sera of immunized mice. In vitro experiments on stimulation of immune response in spleen lymphocytes of vaccinated mice to the F. tularensis antigen showed a significant increase in the level of secreted IFN-γ, a slight increase in secreted IL-10 and an enhanced expression of the CD69 molecule on the surface of T and B cells. Thus, the level of IFN-γ and the expression of the CD69 molecule on the surface of T and B cells in response to restimulation of lymphocytes of immune animals with tularemia antigen can serve as criteria for immune protection in experimental tularemia in a mouse model at different times after vaccination. Key words: vaccine strain, Fransicella tularensis, immunogenicity, protection, memory T cells, IgG, cellular immunity Funding - The work was supported by the Branch Program of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing.

Influence of Platelet Depletion on Immunomagnetic CD34+ Cell Selection for Haploidentical Transplants.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5005-5005
Author(s):  
Claudia Del Fante ◽  
Gianluca Viarengo ◽  
Paola Bergamaschi ◽  
Andrea Marchesi ◽  
Laura Bellotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Standard Procedure ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cell Selection ◽  
T And B Cells ◽  
Cd34 Cells ◽  
Platelet Depletion

Abstract Introduction: Immunomagnetic CD34+ cell selection (ICS) is a widely employed technology in auto and allotransplant settings. In particular, when an haploidentical transplant is performed an high dose of purified CD34+ cells together with an efficient T and B cells depletion are requested to minimize the risks of GVHD and EBV related lymphoma. In order to ameliorate the performances of the ICS device, we compared 73 ICS performed following the customer’s recommendations vs 20 ICS performed after 3 centrifugations in order to increase the platelet depletion of the starting leukapheresis (LKF) product. Matherials and Methods: 93 ICS (from single or fractioned LKF product) were carried out using the Miltenyi Clinimacs device on 76 LKF collected from 37 healty donors mobilized with G-CSF alone (12μg/kg). In tab 1 are summarized the characteristics of the starting 93 pre-immunoselection products in terms of TNC, CD34+ cells, plt and T and B lymphocyte content. 73 LKF were prepared following the standard manufacturer’s protocol and the remaining 20 with an adjunctive plt depletion obtained by 3 low speed centrifugations (900 rpm). Results: a statistical significance in terms of CD34+ cells recovery, final TNC (x106) and CD34+ cell (x106) absolute count was found in favour of the modified immunoselection procedure (see tab.1). Conclusions: ICS demonstrated to be an highly efficient procedure when the Miltenyi Clinimacs device is employed. Moreover, the modification of the standard manufacturer’s technique simply by adjunctive centrifugations on the starting LKF product can further improve the recovery of stem cells maintaining, at the same time, a good purity and not influencing the T and B cells log of depletion, thus demonstrating the negative influence of plt contamination on ICS. These results are more remarkable in the context of haploidentical transplant where the plt contamination of LKF is particularly high. Table 1 Standard procedure(n=73) Modified procedure (n=20) LKF content Pre-ICS Post-ICS Pre-ICS Post-ICS Mann Withney test TNC(x10e6) 58150 (24150–146700) 264 (73.1–784.5) 54250 (32790–87570) 330.41 (126.84–537.9) p 0.02 CD34+(x10e6) 354.25 (115.67–941.22) 245.55 (59.39–768.81) 377.52 (149.84–604.23) 310.38 (115.87–489.49) p 0.04 PLT(x10e9/L) 3220 (555–9320) - - 3522 (744–6600) - - n.s. LymphocytesT(x10e6) 12880 (1200–36050) 0.13 (0.01–0.6) 11820 (1690–25050) 0.38 (0.08–2.34) n.s. LymphocytesB(x10e6) 3180 (70–15000) 1.06 (0.02–8.42) 2810 (1120–6100) 0.82 (0.19–2.98) n.s. CD34+(%)recovery 70.98 (9.5–115.32) 82.34 (66.37–99.94) p 0.04 Purity(%) 92 (69–99) 94 (89–98) n.s. LogT-Depletion 5.1 (3.74–7.91) 4.6 (3.4–5.2) n.s. LogB-Depletion 3.65 (2.45–6.08) 3.55 (2.58–4.44) n.s.

scholarly journals Spontaneous primary intrathoracic, extrapulmonary hydatid cyst in a broiler rabbit

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Sreekumar ◽  
A. Kirubakaran ◽  
R. Venkataramanan ◽  
P. Selvan ◽  
R. Anilkumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Hydatid Cyst ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Small Animals ◽  
Hydatid Cysts ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Non Invasive

Abstract Echinococcus granulosus, a zoonotic tapeworm with a dog-herbivore life cycle, is known to use ruminants, horses, pigs, etc., as intermediate hosts. Natural infections of hydatid cysts have not been documented in small animals like rabbits in India. This paper records spontaneous intrathoracic, extrapulmonary hydatid cysts of E. granulosus in a cage reared rabbit. The presence of non-invasive unilocular cyst with typical protoscolices containing rostellar hooks favoured the diagnosis of E. granulosus over E. multilocularis, the only other Echinococcus species found in India. The presence of fertile hydatid cyst points to the fact that rabbits can also act as natural intermediate hosts for E. granulosus. The significance of the findings in relation to public health importance is discussed.

scholarly journals Renal echinococcosis; the parasite, host immune response, diagnosis and management

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (05) ◽  
pp. 420-427
Author(s):  
Hossein Yousofi Darani ◽  
Rasool Jafari
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Larval Stage ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Imaging Technique ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Immunodiagnostic Tests ◽  
Echinococcus Spp

Renal echinococcosis is a rare parasite-caused disease of humans and animals; it makes up about 4% of confirmed cases of cystic echinococcosis. It is a zoonotic disease that occurs in the intermediate hosts harboring the larval stage, the hydatid cyst, of Echinococcus spp. The renal involvement is often asymptomatic or with unspecific signs. Its diagnosis is mostly based on imaging technique. Immunodiagnostic tests are not applicable. Furthermore, because the disease is not common, our knowledge about its different aspects is scarce. In this review, the parasite, host immune response, diagnosis, and management of renal echinococcosis are described.

scholarly journals Combination Exposure to Zidovudine plus Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim Diminishes B-Lymphocyte Immune Responses to Pneumocystis murina Infection in Healthy Mice

2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Feola ◽  
Beth A. Garvy
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Lavage Fluid ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Cell Populations ◽  
Control Group

ABSTRACT We have previously shown that zidovudine plus sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim exposure decreases immune cell populations in the bone marrow of healthy mice by inducing apoptosis. The hypothesis of the current work was that this toxicity would have an adverse impact on the immune response. To determine this, BALB/c mice were treated with zidovudine, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, the combination of both drugs, or vehicle only (control) via oral gavage for 21 days. On day 4 after dosing completion, the mice were infected intratracheally with 1 × 107 Pneumocystis murina organisms. Immune cell populations (in lung digest, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tracheobronchial lymph node, and bone marrow samples), the lung Pneumocystis burden, and serum Pneumocystis-specific antibody titers were determined at days 6, 10, and 20 postinfection. While total bone marrow cellularity was recovered by day 6 postinfection in the combination exposure group, B-cell numbers did not recover until 10 days postinfection, primarily due to the persistent depletion of the late pre-B-cell phenotype. The numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as the numbers of total B cells and activated B cells in tracheobronchial lymph nodes, were decreased at days 10 and 20 as a result of zidovudine plus sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim exposure compared to the numbers in the control group. No significant differences in lung lavage or lung digest cell populations were observed. There was a trend of a delay in Pneumocystis clearance in the combination treatment group, and Pneumocystis-specific serum immunoglobulin G titers were reduced at day 20 postinfection. Together, these data indicate that the combination of zidovudine and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim adversely affects the humoral immune response to Pneumocystis.

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