Abstract:
Resistance to many intracellular protozoan parasites is dependent on T helper
cell 1 cytokine responses. This has important repercussions for pregnant
females because strong T helper cell 1 cytokine responses are incompatible
with successful pregnancy. Thus, there are two possible consequences of
infection with protozoans such as Leishmania major, Plasmodium falciparom
and Toxoplasma gondiiduring pregnancy: (11 pregnancy is compromised;
or (21 resistance to the parasite is compromised. The apicomplexan
Neospora caninum is a parasite renowned for its association with abortion
in cattle. Furthermore, a major route of transmission for this parasite is
congenital. The evidence for the hypothesis that T helper cell 1 cytokines
playa role in these events is reviewed here.
