RESUMO
Specific total antibody (ab), 19s and 7s ab levels in the serum of M. natalensis were investigated after infection with L. carinii, A. viteae, B. malayi and B. pahangi for period of about 500 days p.i., using ELISA (homologous adult antigen) and indirect immunofluorescence tests (IIFT: homologous adult and microfilariae antigen). Total ab levels in L. carinii infected animals rose moderately during prepatency Maximum levels occurred during patency. The response during prepatency was stronger in A. viteae and Brugia spp. infected hosts. Lateron ab levels increased continuously in Brugia infections; in A. viteae infection they decreased with decreasing parasitaemia. 19s abs were stimulated during prepatency and at the beginning of patency, or were found at moderate levels throughout to period of investigation (Brugia infections). 7s abs predominated beginning at the period of late prepatency (IIFT) or at the beginning of patency (ELISA). The time courses of 7s abs corresponded to those of total abs. As obvious by IIFT (adult worm antigen) total and 19s titres were higher against cuticle antigens, egg shell antigens and intrauterine amorphous material than against antigens located in the hypodermis and musculature. 7s abs showed best reactivity with cuticle antigens. Using microfilarial antigens 19s abs reacted predominantly with cuticle antigens whereas 7s abs often showed higher titres against antigens which were localized within the larvae than against cuticle antigens.
