[Immunopathology of Schistosoma mansoni bilharziasis]

Immunological manifestations during S. mansoni bilharziasis are present at all stages of the disease and their mechanisms begin to be well known: --delayed hypersensitivity and cell mediation immunity, responsible for the formation of bilharzial granuloma; --synthesis of various antibodies. Beside their diagnostic interest, they might participate in the immunological tolerance as well as in the processing of circulating immune complex; --various immunizing mechanisms making schistosomes able to escape hostile reactions of their host, and limiting infestation to a level acceptable for both the host and the worms, that is the basic notion of parasitism.