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Leukocyte adherence to Schistosoma haematobium eggs from children
1Research Institute for Disease in a Tropical Environment, South African Medical Research Council, Nelspruit.
Insights
Leukocyte adherence to Schistosoma haematobium eggs decreased with age in children, challenging current theories of immunity to schistosomiasis and the role of blocking antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma worms.
- Immunity to human schistosomiasis is complex and not fully understood.
- The blocking antibody theory suggests antibodies can inhibit protective immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare leukocyte adherence to Schistosoma haematobium eggs in children of different ages.
- To investigate the relationship between age and the intensity of leukocyte adherence.
- To assess the implications of these findings for theories of immunity to schistosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Developed a scanning electron microscopy method to measure leukocyte adherence intensity.
- Adapted the method for light microscopy for practical application.
- Compared adherence patterns in children aged 7-16 years.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte adherence intensity to Schistosoma haematobium eggs was successfully measured.
- A significant decrease in adherence intensity was observed from younger to older age groups.
- This age-related decrease was contrary to initial expectations.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge contemporary views on immunity to human schistosomiasis.
- The results have direct implications for understanding the blocking antibody theory.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind age-dependent changes in immune responses to Schistosoma haematobium.
Abstract:
The pattern of leukocyte adherence to voided Schistosoma haematobium eggs was compared in children 7-16 years old. A method enabling the measurement of the intensity of adherence was first developed by means of scanning electron microscopy, after which it was adapted for light microscopy. The intensity of adherence decreased from younger to older age groups. This result was unexpected, and has bearing on contemporary views on immunity to human schistosomiasis, particularly the blocking antibody theory.