Complement C1q in serum and ascitic fluid in cases of hepatic schistosomiasis with ascites

ABSTRACT

C1q levels were estimated by radial immunodiffusion in sera and ascitic fluids of 15 patients suffering from advanced schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. Ten healthy individuals were also included as controls. Lower C1q values were observed in patients compared with the controls. However, the difference was statistically nonsignificant. This denotes that the classic complement pathway may not be involved in cases with advanced schistosomiasis