Background
Human filarial infection is characterized by downregulated parasite-antigen specific T cell responses but distinct differences exist between patients with longstanding infection (endemics) and those who acquired infection through temporary residency or visits to filarial-endemic regions (expatriates).
Conclusions
These data suggest several important pathways are responsible for the different outcomes seen among filarial-infected patients with varying levels of chronicity and imply an important role for CD8(+) cells in some of the global changes seen with lifelong exposure.