Skin test reactions in allergic patients and other control groups with crude extracts of adult S. japonicum worm antigens

Skin tests utilizing crude extract prepared from Schistosoma japonicum adult worms together with allergen extracts (housedust and bermuda grass) and control solutions (diluent and histamine phosphate) were done in fourteen proven cases of Schistosomiasis, in thirty four allergic patients, in twelve patients with other various disorders and in twelve normal controls. The crude extracts of S. japonicum elicited significant skin test reactions in allergic patients, in the proven cases of Schistosomiasis and in some patients in the control and the group with other various diseases. This experience indicates the need for a more specific schistosoma antigen for the use in detecting schistosoma infestation.