The Th2 Response and Alternative Activation of Macrophages Triggered by Strongyloides venezuelensis Is Linked to Increased Morbidity and Mortality Due to Cryptococcosis in Mice

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis that causes pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. Strongyloidiasis chronic gastrointestinal infection caused by parasites of the genus Strongyloides. strongyloidiasis affect lungs are more prevalent in same world regions, i.e., Africa tropical countries such as Brazil. It undeniable those coincidences may lead to occurrence coinfections. However, there no studies focused on interaction between Cryptococcus spp. Strongyloides In this work, we aimed investigate venezuelensis (Sv) gattii (Cg) murine coinfection model. Murine macrophage exposure Sv antigens reduced their ability engulf Cg produce reactive oxygen species, increasing fungal growth intracellularly. We then infected mice with both pathogens. skewed host’s response infection, lethality addition increased NO levels arginase activity, coinfected presented classic Th2 anti-Sv response: eosinophilia, higher alternate activated macrophages (M2), concentrations CCL24 IL-4, lower IL-1β. This milieu favored prominent translocation brain, tissue damage. conclusion, our data shows primary promotes bias pulmonary Cg-infection worsens its pathological outcomes.