Aqueous humor cytokines and cellular profiles in pediatric ocular granulomas caused by theTrematode Fluke Procerovum sp

ABSTRACT

Background

Children from coastal areas of South India develop granulomatous eye disease after swimming in their village ponds, the causative organism being trematode Procerovum.

Aim

To understand the pathogenesis by analyzing the cellular profile, cytokines, and chemokines of aqueous fluid.

Methods

This was a prospective study over 1 year on pediatric patients with ocular granuloma caused by a Trematode Fluke Procerovum sp. Granuloma was aspirated along with 100 µl volume of aqueous humor. Immunohistochemical analysis of granuloma was performed. Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine 17-plex Assay (M5000031YV) was used to measure cytokine and chemokines.

Results

The immunohistochemistry revealed predominantly eosinophils, followed by macrophages (CD68+) and T – lymphocytes (CD4+). Both T-helper (Th) 1 and 2 mediated cytokines and chemokine levels were significantly high. As the disease duration increased, direct Th1 response reduced and was replaced by IL-12 and IL-17 mediated secondary Th1 response.

Conclusion

Procerovum associated granulomatous disease is immunologically characterized by Th1 and Th2 cell-mediated responses. A balance between both arms maintains the eyes between granulomatous inflammation and healing by fibrosis.

KEYWORDS:

• Aqueous humour
• Granulomas
• Trematode
• Cytokine
• Bioplex Assay
• Cellular profile
• Cytokines
• Parasitic
• Pediatric
• Ocular granulomas

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

Aravind medical research foundation; Indian Council of Medical Research Grant No. 5/4/6/12/Oph/11-NCD-II, dt.21.10.2011