Evaluating TLR2, MYD88, Profilin and hematological parameters in human cutaneous leishmaniasis, a case control study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24126/jobrc.2026.20.2.949Keywords:
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, TLR2, MYD88, Profilin, Hematological Parameters, ParametersAbstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease that affects both skin and systemic immune responses. Innate immunity, particularly Toll-like receptors (TLRs), plays a key role in host defense. Among these, TLR2 and its adaptor MyD88, along with Profilin protein, are believed to contribute to immune activation. However, the immune and hematological alterations associated with CL remain insufficiently understood in local populations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate some immune markers (TLR2, MYD88, and Profilin) and analyze some blood parameters in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis compared to healthy individuals. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted on 90 participants (60 patients, 30 controls) aged 10 to 60 years. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA to measure immunological markers, and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed to evaluate hematological changes. Results: The results showed the presence of hematological changes in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, including a slight decrease in white blood cells (7.5 ± 2.5) without the difference being significant. In contrast, a significant decrease (p≤0.05) was observed "in the, average number of red blood cells in patients (4.33 ± 0.42 vs. 4.85 ± 0.48) and significant increases in lymphocytes and monocytes (30.81 ± 6.58) and (3.91 ± 2.1), respectively, and granulocytes (71.08 ± 3.06vs. 63.05 ± 4.73, p≤0.05). The immune levels of TLR2 (5.07 ± 0.92 vs. 1.34 ± 0.56 pg/ml), MyD88 (449.67 ± 212.91 vs. 192.44 ± 37.91 pg/ml), and Profilin (95.43 ± 36.30 vs. 61.58 ± 25.84 pg/ml) were significantly elevated in patients (p≤ 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate the presence of an inflammatory immune response associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis infection, reflecting the role of the studied immune markers as potential factors in assessing the disease. The study recommends further research to investigate the relationship between these markers and the severity of infection or the effectiveness of treatments.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Raja'a S. Abed, Thaer A. Salih, Mohammed M. Farhan

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