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Early antibody responses in human schistosomiasis
B Evengård1, L Hammarström, C I Smith
1Department of Parasitology, National Bacteriological Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Early diagnosis of schistosomiasis is crucial for travelers. Researchers identified specific antibodies (IgM, IgG, IgA) against adult worm antigens as early markers for Schistosoma mansoni infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Acute schistosomiasis presents non-specific symptoms, complicating early diagnosis, especially in travelers.
- Increased global travel to schistosomiasis-endemic areas necessitates improved diagnostic tools for early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify early serological markers for Schistosoma mansoni infection in non-immune individuals.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of antibodies against adult worm excretory/secretory antigens.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence technique to detect early antibodies.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to characterize antibody isotypes (IgM, IgG, IgA) and IgG/IgA subclasses.
- Immunoblotting using adult worm antigens to identify specific recognized proteins.
Main Results:
- Early appearance of IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies against adult worm excretory/secretory antigens was observed in recently infected individuals.
- IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies recognized specific antigens of 32-35 kD on immunoblots.
- These antibodies were detected in individuals previously unexposed to Schistosoma mansoni.
Conclusions:
- Antibodies targeting 32-35 kD antigens of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms are potential early diagnostic markers.
- This finding aids in the differential diagnosis of acute schistosomiasis in travelers and tourists.
- Serological detection of these specific antibodies offers a valuable tool for early infection identification.