IMMUNOLOGY TEXTBOOK - Mercury Podillia 2013

MECHANISMS OF IMMUNE DEFENSE IN BACTERIAL, VIRAL, FUNGAL, AND PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS

Features of immunity in protozoan diseases

Pathogens responsible for protozoan infections are characterized by an extraordinary diversity of antigenic composition. These features are driven by the Intracellular Localization of the pathogens, the Variability of their surface Antigens, the presence of antigens shared with human Cells, and the immunosuppressive Properties of the parasites. Furthermore, most of these pathogens possess complex life cycles, which further complicates immune defense. This is compounded by the fact that the pathogens themselves exhibit immunosuppressive activity, and these pathological processes trigger a pronounced polyclonal mitogenic effect that depletes the defensive capacity of The Immune System without establishing resistance.

In protozoan diseases, IgM and IgG Antibodies may be produced, but their Specificity is extremely low due to their formation As a result of the polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes and the antigenic variation of the parasites.

Recovery depends on the activation of T lymphocytes (T suppressors, T helpers). Full-fledged post-infection Immunity is formed very rarely.



Last update: 13/08/2026

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