INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE TO ACUTE TRYPANOSOM A-CRUZI INFECTION

The acute stage of Trypanosama cruzi infections related to high parasi temia is characterized by the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in several tissues, including the heart and squeletal muscle, as well as by an increased production of inflammatory mediators, such as gamma-in terferon (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1 ) and oxygen and nitrogen reactive intermediates. The activation of ph agocytic cells seems to be closely related to both the inflammatory pr ocess and host resistance to the infection. Herein, the inflammatory m ediators produced in vivo and their relationship with the tissue damag e and TH1 immune response are reviewed.