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Human hydatidosis is characterized by a prolonged coexistence of parasite (Echinococcus granulosus) and host without effective rejection. The basis of the immune response of the patient is poorly understood. Previously, we reported the presence of IFN, TNF-α and IL-6 activities in the serum of patients with liver and lung hydatidosis. In the present work, we have investigated the production of nitrite (NO₂⁻) in the serum hydatidic patients carrying hepatic and pulmonary cysts (range 36–300 μm). Our present data show a correlation between the production of nitrite + nitrate (NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻) and that of circulating cytokines IFN and IL-6. In relapsing patients who did not produce IFN and IL-6, the observed serum NO₂⁻ concentrations were low (range 10–37.2 μM), as compared to those detected in patients before surgery. Induction of NO synthase in leukocytes from hydatidic patients was induced by stimulating these …