Comparison of Immune Response in Normal Volunteers and Patients With Helminth Infections
Condition: Healthy; Helminthiasis
MeSH terms: Helminthiasis
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      This study will compare the structure, chemical composition and other characteristics of skin
      and blood in people with and without parasitic infections. Cell samples will be taken from
      blisters produced by suction blistering. This study may provide new information about the
      interactions between parasites and the immune system that could lead to better treatments for
      these infections.

      Normal volunteers and patients with acute helminth (a type of parasite) infections aged 18
      years older may be eligible for this study. Following a medical history and physical exam,
      participants will undergo suction blistering to provide cells needed for study. A suction
      blister device is attached to the skin of the thigh. A heating element in the device heats
      the skin to speed blister formation. (This will feel only a slightly warm.) The device is
      removed after about two hours, when the blisters have formed. The blister tops are removed
      with sterile scissors. The blistered areas are then treated with special dressings to promote
      healing and the participant is discharged with further wound care instructions. A small
      amount of blood (around four tablespoons) may be drawn to compare chemicals in the blood with
      chemicals in the blister fluid. Participants will be contacted by telephone over the next 72
      hours to check on healing. Further follow-up will occur by phone at 6 months and 1 year.

      Up to 60 blisters may be produced over a one-year period (in three separate sessions every
      six months) with no more than 20 raised per session....
    

Detailed description: 
      This study will compare the structure, chemical composition and other characteristics of skin
      and blood in people with and without parasitic infections. Cell samples will be taken from
      blisters produced by suction blistering. This study may provide new information about the
      interactions between parasites and the immune system that could lead to better treatments for
      these infections.

      Normal volunteers and patients with acute helminth (a type of parasite) infections aged 18
      years older may be eligible for this study. Following a medical history and physical exam,
      participants will undergo suction blistering to provide cells needed for study. A suction
      blister device is attached to the skin of the thigh. A heating element in the device heats
      the skin to speed blister formation. (This will feel only a slightly warm.) The device is
      removed after about two hours, when the blisters have formed. The blister tops are removed
      with sterile scissors. The blistered areas are then treated with special dressings to promote
      healing and the participant is discharged with further wound care instructions. A small
      amount of blood (around four tablespoons) may be drawn to compare chemicals in the blood with
      chemicals in the blister fluid. Participants will be contacted by telephone over the next 72
      hours to check on healing. Further follow-up will occur by phone at 6 months and 1 year.

      Up to 60 blisters may be produced over a one-year period (in three separate sessions every
      six months) with no more than 20 raised per session.
    

Keywords: Antigen Presentation; Cytokines; Helminth; Healthy Volunteer; Cross-Over Study; Helminth Infection