STAT1 and infection: In the early stages of infection, a T-helper cell type 1 response (Th1) against the parasite has been recognized through increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL1α, IL1β and IL6) as well as Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 1 (STAT1) and IFNγ [5–7], while elevated Th17 cell numbers have been suggested to mediate bladder pathology during S. haematobium infection [8].