Studies with S. mansoni infected Il4−/− and Il4−/−;Il13−/− mice suggested that in addition to developing hepatotoxicity, the integrity of the gut epithelium is compromised, leading to significant inflammation in the ileum, systemic leakage of intestinal contents, and development of lethal endotoxemia [31],[32]. This evidence concerns the gene IL13 and serum lipopolysaccharide activity.