Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (cachectin) in human visceral leishmaniasis.

Generally speaking, the cell mediated immunity plays a pivotal role in the host resistance against the protozoal parasite of the genus Leishmania. The polypeptide hormone cachectin (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha) which is produced mainly by macrophages, is a primary mediator in the pathogenesis of infection, injury and inflammation. Depending on its concentration, duration of cell exposure and presence of other mediators in the cellular environment, the net biological effect of this peptide regulatory factor may ultimately be benefit or injury to the host. This work aimed to study the tumour necrosis factor-alpha as measured by Quantikine human immunoassay Kits using ELISA technique in Egyptian visceral leishmaniasis patients (VL). The severity of VL. was measured by IHAT Cellognost Kits. The results showed a certain type of correlation between elevated serum TNF-alpha and human visceral leishmaniasis. It was concluded that TNF-a is an important factor in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniasis and may be a marker or an indicator of the VL. activity.