Immunofluorescent study of the spleen in hepatic schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT

Estimation of immunoglobulins in splenic tissue homogenates [using Tri-partigen immunodiffusion plates] and direct immunofluorescent examination of spleen sections were performed for specimens obtained from 22 cases of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and 6 control spleens after accidental traumatic rupture. The splenic immunoglobulins G and M were significantly higher in the schistosomal cases, while IgA was significantly lower than that of the controls. Immunofluorescent examination revealed intense fluorescence all over the splenic tissue in almost all schistosomal cases. Our study confirmed the immunological role of the spleen in the pathogenesis of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis