The association between Schistosomes infection and 
autoimmunity has been studied extensively in the medical 
literature. Schistosomiasis might induce autoimmune activity 
by several mechanisms: molecular mimicry, production of 
pathogenic autoantibodies, polyclonal activation of B cells, 
altered self antigens. It has documented the protective effect 
of  Schistosomes infection against immune-mediated diseases 
such as type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, multiple 
sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. This protective effect mediated by Th2 immune response with production of IL-10 
which able to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory 
mediators such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor 
(TNF-α) and nitric oxide and mediate the control of 
autoimmune disease. Additionally, autoimmune mechanisms 
might have a role in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis 
inducing granulomatous inflammation, glomerulonephritis 
and visceral fibrosis.

Keywords: Schistosomiasis; Autoimmune Disease; 
Autoantibodies; Cytokines; Immunomodulation