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Immune complexes in Wuchereria bancrofti infection in man
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Immune complexes are elevated in Wuchereria bancrofti infection, particularly in symptomatic patients without microfilaremia. The study identified a similar W. bancrofti antigen to Setaria digitata antigen SD2-4.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Wuchereria bancrofti infection is a major cause of lymphatic filariasis.
- Immune complexes play a role in the pathogenesis of parasitic infections.
- Understanding immune complex composition can aid in diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify immune complex levels in Wuchereria bancrofti infected patients.
- To characterize the antigens involved in these immune complexes.
- To explore the diagnostic potential of immune complex detection.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using rabbit anti-Setaria digitata antigen (SD2-4) antibody.
- Clq-binding assay to detect immune complexes.
- Isolation and characterization of antigens from precipitated immune complexes.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher immune complex levels were found in 3-7% of microfilaremic and 30-40% of amicrofilaremic symptomatic patients compared to controls.
- A W. bancrofti antigen was isolated and found to be similar to S. digitata antigen SD2-4.
- Both antigens exhibited properties of acidic glycoproteins with an isoelectric point around pH 3.
Conclusions:
- Elevated immune complexes are indicative of Wuchereria bancrofti infection, especially in symptomatic amicrofilaremic individuals.
- The identified W. bancrofti antigen shares similarities with S. digitata antigen SD2-4, suggesting potential cross-reactivity.
- Immune complex analysis may offer a valuable tool for diagnosing and understanding W. bancrofti infections.