Transplacental transfer of schistosomal antigens and antibodies

Circulating S. mansoni soluble antigens (CSA) and antibodies (CAB) were investigated in sera of 32 S. mansoni-infected pregnant mothers, their 32 newborns and 26 non-pregnant infected women. CSA levels in pregnant mothers and their newborns were significantly higher than in the 3rd group. Also, a significant positive correlation was detected between the CSA levels in sera from infected mothers and the cord blood of their newborns proving the transplacental transfer of these antigens. On the other hand, CAB levels were significantly higher in the 3rd group than in the mothers and their newborns and this could be explained by the immune complexes formation. No schistosome eggs or worms were detected in placentas and the possibility of congenital schistosomiasis was eliminated.