Puberty and Age-related Changes in Susceptibility to Schistosome Infection

Abstract

Recent data from outbreaks of schistosomiasis in immunologically naive populations have refuelled the debate concerning the nature or existence of protective, acquired immunity to schistosomiasis in humans. Data from endemic communities provide some compelling evidence for an abrupt change in reinfection rates that coincides with puberty. We suggest that the hormonal changes of adrenarche may hold the key to understanding the relative resistance to infection found in adults.