Fluorescent Antibody Studies in Human Malaria

Abstract

Summary A total of 498 sera from Nigerians was tested for the presence of antibody to malaria, using five Plasmodium antigens and the indirect fluorescent antibody technique. The average FA response was highest to P. falciparum, followed by P. fieldi, P. brasilianum, P. ovale, and P. vivax. The average FA endpoint increased with the age of the individual with all the antigens. The P. brasilianum antigen, usually indicative of P. malariae response, was low in its response to sera of children, but was equal to the P. falciparum response with sera from individuals 13 years of age and older. There appeared to be a higher average response in the males than in the females.