[Demonstration of soluble parasite antigens, the corresponding antibodies and immune complexes in acute malaria]

Serum levels of malaria antigens, antimalaria antibodies, immune complexes and complement components have been followed up in 23 patients suffering from acute malaria infection and recovering under therapy. Malarial antigens in serum were detected by counterimmunoelectrophoresis: the peak was observed before therapy started and their levels rapidly decreased. Specific antimalarial antibodies became detectable 5--7 days after starting treatment in patients with a first infection. Immune complexes were detected in 21 of 23 sera with a peak level between days 5 and 9. A marked decrease of C4 and C3 was observed in the presence of normal levels of factor B.