Cytokine levels peaked during the acute infection, declined with chronic infection and become undetectable after treatment. Reinfection after treatment stimulated a two- to three-fold increase in SEA-specific interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, IL-2, and transforming growth factor b (TGF-b) production and a marked rise in SEA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG regardless of the type of exposure. The major form of disease results from the chronic granulomatous response to parasite ova trapped in host tissues. Most infected individuals, however, tolerate chronic infection without debilitating illness. Infection with the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni induces a pronounced Th2-type response that is associated with significant IgE production.

Note also that T. saginata, T. solium and Echinococcus granulosus can be identified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

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