Serum IgE levels in Chagas' disease

Abstract

Elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin E [IgE] are found in many parasitic diseases caused by helminths. That giardiasis was not associated with hyperimmunoglobulinemia E was previously demonstrated. In order to determine the influence of Trypanosoma cruzi on IgE levels of clinically symptomatic patients, a controlled study was performed. There was no difference between the serum IgE values from Brazilian patients with Chagas'' disease and those from matched healthy Brazilian controls. Protozoan parasitic infections probably do not increase serum IgE levels.