Alterations in Host Lipid Metabolism Produced During Visceral Leishmaniasis Infections

This article aims to review lipid metabolism of both parasite and host, and how the former affects the latter.Recent FindingsLeishmania uses the host ’s cholesterol to ensure macrophage phagocytosis and evade immune response. Additionally, the host’s lipid bodies have key roles in disease progression and development of the parasite inside the cell. This induces changes in the patient’s serum lipid profile like hypertriglyceridemia and low H DL levels.SummaryChanges in the lipid profile and metabolism in both parasite and host during development of the disease depend on the presence of lipid bodies. Further research is required to fully understand the relationship between the interactions between lipid metabolism of host and parasite, immune response, and the prognosis of the disease (Fig.1).
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research