J Vet Sci. 2005 Jun;6(2):135-139   
 

Serum interferon-gamma and interleukins-6 and -8 during infection with Fasciola gigantica in cattle and buffaloes

Elizabeth C. Molina

 

School of Tropical Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.

 

This study investigated the presence of cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukins (IL) -6 and -8 in serum of cattle and buffaloes infected with Fasciola gigantica from one to 16 weeks post-infection to determine their T cell response during infection. The concentration of these cytokines was determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No IFN-gamma was detected in these animals while IL-6 was elevated from one to 16 weeks postinfection. Levels of IL-8 were also elevated in infected buffaloes from one to 16 weeks post-infection. A predominantly T helper (Th) 2 response which started early in the infection was apparently present in cattle and buffaloes in this study which was characterised by IL-6. IL-8 production could be another mechanism of immune response in buffaloes during infection with F. gigantica.