Immunoglobulins in bilharzial patients with and without chronic hepatitis

The mean values of IgG and IgA were significantly higher in bilharzial patients than in the non bilharzial ones. The mean IgG level in patients with S. mansoni was significantly higher than that in patients with negative stool while the reverse was true as regards IgA. Among the bilharzial patients the mean values of IgG, IgM and IgA were significantly higher in C.A.H. and C.A.H. bilharziasis than in patients with pure bilharziasis, C.P.H. and C.P.H. with bilharziasis. It might be concluded that the altered immune response produced by schistosomiasis, the frequent exposure to the hepatitis B. virus and the bilharzial hepatitis lesions, all may pave the way for development of severe diseases e.g. chronic active hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.