ABSTRACT
Specific antischistosomal IgG, IgM, and IgE were estimated by ELISA in 117 rural school students before specific treatment with praziquantel monthly for 3-4 months thereafter. IgG and IgM were estimated as percentage of bound antibodies. IgE was estimated by avidin-biotin ELISA (AB-ELISA) as IU/ml using a panel of known IgE standards. Soluble surface Schistosoma mansoni adult worm antigen was used for all estimates. Total IgE was estimated in a smaller group by an ELISA kit. The percentage of specific IgE was calculated. A group of endemic controls (22 students) and non-endemic controls (17 cases) were included. Statistical analysis of results showed the specific immunoglobulins to be significantly reduced 2 months after treatment of the schistosomal cases. These reduced levels, however, were still significantly higher than those of controls. The presence of early hepatosplenomegaly and the co-existence of other parasites had no significant influence on the results. No correlation could be established between the levels of specific antischistosomal IgG, M and E and the intensity of infection. The significance of these results is discussed.
