Intradermal test for schistosomiasis japonica (preliminary report)

ABSTRACT

The results of our preliminary study on intradermal test on 532 subjects, using antigens prepared by us, are here presented and discussed. Thre principle of the test, preparation of the antigens (adult and cercaria), and technique of testing are explainedThis study seems to indicate that intradermal test may augment our methods of diagnosis of schistosomiasis, especially in mass-screening campaigns or mass stool surveys. To be of real significance, however, a potent antigen, freshly prepared, and whose dosage has been standardized with known positive and known negative controls should be used. For routine purposes, a dose of 0.01 to 0.02 of the 11000 or 12000 dilution of the adult antigen solution may be recommended. In the case of the cercarial antigen, we obtained a fairly good result, with 0.1 cc of the 1600 dilutionAmong our negative controls, the presence of other parasites, such as ascaris, trichuris, and hookworm, filaria, and paragonimiasis, did not provoke false positive reactions. No false positive reaction was observed in one case of malaria and in one case of infectious hepatitis. (Conclusions)