UNUSUAL DISTRIBUTION OF FLUORESCENT MARKING DURING SCHISTOSOMA-MANSONI SCHISTOSOMIASIS

Abstract

The sera of some patients suffering from intestinal bilharziasis determine, on frozen sections of adult S. mansoni, a labeling of the digestive tract disclosed by fluorescent serum anti-IgG [immunoglobulin G] and IgM. This labeling appears early after the primary infestation and may remain isolated. It is found again later, among West Indian patients of all ages infested by S. mansoni. Its development was followed in experimentally infested hamsters and mice. This labeling also occurs in animals infested with S. haematobium, but it appears exceptional among adult urinary bilharziasis patients. No cross reaction of non-specific origin was observed. The usefulness for screening of research with anti-IgM conjugates was proven. Its meaning is discussed.