[Use of an indirect immunofluorescence probe for early detection of latent malaria]. / Utilidad de la prueba de inmunofluorescencia indirecta en la detección precoz de recidivas palúdicas.

We followed up the values of the titres of malaria antibodies by the indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) technique in 52 patients: 27 Cubans and 25 foreigners with malaria. All the subjects had previously been in endemic zones. The diagnosis of the disease was based upon the thick drop test. The prevailing species was Plasmodium falciparum. The IFI technique was used at the beginning of the treatment, weekly and after 3 months. Four patients had recurrences in the 3 first weeks of the follow-up, with increased levels of the antibody titres before parasitaemia appeared. Those titres decreased with the specific treatment. We propose that the patients with increasing antibody titres in spite of the negative results of the thick drop test be considered as having a risk of developing malaria.

[Clinical, laparoscopic and histologic study of 60 patients with schistosomiasis mansoni]. / Estudio clínico, laparoscópico e histológico en 60 pacientes con esquistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis mansoni was diagnosed to 60 patients coming from the African continent. Coproparasitologic study by Knight technique was performed to all of them, and presence of parasite eggs was demonstrated. The hematologic study showed eosinophilia and the study of the hepatic profile was normal. The patients were clustered into three groups in order to be treated with different drugs. Laparoscopic study and hepatic biopsy were performed to all patients at their admission to hospital and one year after treatment. Effectiveness of praziquantel accounted for 95% of oxamniquine for 75% and etrenol for 55%.