The tegument of Schistosoma mansoni: functional and immunological features

Some structural, biophysical and molecular features of the tegument are shown, highlighting their changes during maturation as important adaptative mechanisms for the survival of the parasite and resistance to immune attack. On the other hand, many antigens, targets of the immune response against the schistosome, are located on the tegument. Some of the features of these molecules are presented and the possibilities of using them in the immunological control of the disease are discussed.     

Jejunal Biopsies in Protein-calorie Malnutrition and Intestinal Parasitic Infestation in Brazil

Jejunal biopsies were performed in 71 subjects, who were classified into three groups as follows: Forty-one patients, on a poor diet, without clinical signs of malnutrition, with and without parasitic infestation; nineteen patients with severe protein-calorie malnutrition, with and without parasitic infestation; control group, ten medical students and one of the authors on a normal diet and without parasitic infestation.
The dissecting microscope appearance showed mild alteration of the intestinal villi of Group A patients with parasitic infestation and severe alteration on Group B patients, especially those with parasitism.
On histological examination, only the total mucosal thickness showed statistically significant differences between the Group B (severe protein malnutrition) and the other groups.