The presence of intestinal helminths can down-regulate the immune
response required to control mycobacterial infection. BALB/c mice
infected with Mycobacterium bovis following an infection with the
intestinal helminth Strongyloides venezuelensis showed reduced
interleukin-17A production by lung cells and increased bacterial
burden. Also, small granulomas and a high accumulation of cells
expressing the inhibitory molecule CTLA-4 were observed in the lung.
These data suggest that intestinal helminth infection could have a
detrimental effect on the control of tuberculosis (TB) and render
coinfected individuals more susceptible to the development of TB