Assessment of the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF, IFN-gamma) in giardiosis

The current study aims to determine the involvement of cellular responses in combating Giardia intestinalis invasion. The study group consisted of 44 women and 18 men, aged 18-72 years, infected with G. intestinalis. The diagnosis was established based on laboratory investigations (examination of stool, choloscopy, GSA-65). Blood for analysis was collected before antiparasitic treatment and two weeks after treatment termination. The control group consisted of 22 women and 18 men aged 20-45 years. The serum concentrations of IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF, IFN-g were assayed using a set of Quantikine human. The concentrations of NO in the serum were determined using a set of Total Nitric Oxide Assay. Patients infected with G. intestinalis showed a statistically significant increase in the levels of NO, IFN-g and IL-13. Even the antiparasitic treatment applied did not reduce the levels of these parameters and only caused a rise in IL-6. Our study showed a lack of acute inflammatory state in the course of G. intestinalis infection.