Is atopy inversely related to schistosome infection intensity : a comparative study in Zimbabwean villages with distinct levels of Schistosoma haematobium infection?
The relationship between schistosome infection and atopic responses is dependent on the intensity of current schistosome infection. Thus, consistent with results from animal models, with an increasing parasite burden, the immunoregulation of immune responses to allergens appears to become more pronounced.
Presence of ACPA-2, but not its titer, at baseline is a predictor of radiographic progression or disease activity, where radiographic progression is minimal in ACPA-2-negative patients.