Soluble Antigens and Antibodies in Sera from Baboons Infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Sera from baboons (Papio anubis) exposed percutaneously to S. mansoni cercariae were examined for the presence of antigens and antibodies at different times after infection by counter-current immunoelectrophoresis. The first antigens detected were gut-associated antigens (2 to 4 weeks after infection) followed by membrane antigens (3 to 5 weeks) and soluble egg antigens (7 weeks). Corresponding antibodies were detected 1 to 2 weeks later. The possibility that the simultaneous detection of both components in serum strongly suggests the presence of circulating immune complexes is discussed.