Host and parasite determinants of morbidity in Egyptian children with schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT

The relation of morbidity due to schistosomiasis in Egyptian children to egg count, eosinophilic count, antibodies mediating eosinophil damage to schistosomula, total immunoglobulins and specific antischistosomal antibodies IgG and IgM anti-cercarial antigen preparation [CAP], anti-soluble worm antigen preparation [SWAP] and anti-soluble egg antigen preparation [SEA] was evaluated. The behavior of the immune parameters after treatment was also determined. From the results obtained, it was concluded that high intensity of infection may be one of the determinants of morbidity due to Schistosoma mansoni infection in Egypt. The elevated response of antibodies mediating adherence and damage to schistosomula may be associated or play a role with morbidity. Eosinophilic count, total IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE and specific antischistosomiasis IgG and IgM [anti- CAP, anti-SWAP and anti-SEA] are not related to morbidity