Trial Information

Immunological Consequences of Helminth and Mycobacterial Coinfection

To determine if preexisting intestinal helminth infection or filarial infection alters the
immune response to mycobacterial antigens or the clinical expression of tuberculosis, this
study proposes to assess the skin test reactivity to tuberculin (PPD) in a community in
which intestinal helminth infection, filarial infection and tuberculosis co-exist. Once
baseline data are obtained, all those who are PPD negative (but who harbor helminth
parasites) will be randomized to receive either anthelminthics or placebo twice over a six
week period. One and 4 months following the last dose, change in PPD status will be
assessed as will the intestinal and filarial parasite burden. By assessing these changes,
the influence of intestinal helminth or filarial infection on the cellular immune response
to Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be determined.