Taenia solium in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: do parasites protect against autoimmune diseases.

sistent with advanced immunosuppression (lymphoid depletion and isolated residual regressing germinal centers). Direct stain and culture from the lymph node ruled out tuberculosis. On examination, the patient was confused and had visual hallucinations. There was temporal wasting and marked alopecia. His temperature was 36.1°C, heart rate 114 beats/minute and blood pressure 156/76 mmHg. Examination of the lung and heart was unremarkable. The abdomen was soft but diffusely tender. Hemoglobin concentration was 8.3 g/dl, leukocyte count 4300 mm3, and absolute lymphocyte count 640 mm3. Platelet count was 433,000 mm3. Serum electrolyte, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lipase, amylase and alkaline phosphatase levels were all within normal range. The creatinine level was 0.76 mg/dl and the urea level 81 mg/ dl. Protein to creatinine ratio in the urine For editorial see page 249