Protective Effects of DHEA and AED against Viral, Bacterial and Parasitic Infections

The use of agents that can boost host immunity to combat infections may be of considerable benefit in the treatment of animals' infectious outbreaks and complement the available modes of various treatments. This report deals with the role of beta androstenes as agents that up-regulate host immune response to a level that enables the host to resist lethal infection by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The agents reviewed consist of a specific subgroup of androstene steroids that increase the levels of the TH1 cytokines such as, IL-2, IL-3, and IFN gamma. Similarly to hydrocortisone, they suppress inflammation, but do not suppress immunity and function in the maintenance of the TH1/TH2 balance and immune homeostasis. We report that DHEA, and AED up-regulate immune resistance and protect the host from lethal infection by RNA and DNA viruses, Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, parasitic infections, and stress mediated immune suppression. These agents provide a unique new avenue for the control, mitigation, and prevention of animal diseases by viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Moreover, immune up-regulation may have a significant role in limiting antibiotic resistant and stress mediated infection.