[Cellular and humoral immunity in hyperimmune malaria]

The tropical splenomegaly syndrome, described by Charmot as a chronic splenomegaly without any acute malaria attack, appears to be the prototype of hyperimmune malaria. A very small number of red cells or even no red cells are infected. IgG and/or IgM rates are greatly increased, as are anti-Plasmodium antibodies. The ratio T. helper/T. suppressor is normal or slightly increased. Serological tests show often cross reactions, mainly with African trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis, also with leishmaniasis. Undefined genetic factors in the host could explain the syndrome.