HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nash, T. E. Articles by Cheever, A. W. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Nash, T. E. Articles by Cheever, A. W.

Antibody Response to a Polysaccharide Antigen Present in the Schistosome Gut

II. Modulation of Antibody Response

Specific IgM and IgG antibody to a polysaccharide present in the epithelial cells of the gut of adult schistosomes was measured in four groups of infected patients: I) patients with documented acute schistosomiasis; II) Americans exposed to schistosomiasis within the preceding 0–4 years; III) chronically and heavily infected patients, mostly from Puerto Rico, without hepatomegaly or hepatosplenomegaly; and IV) heavily infected Brazilian children with hepatic or hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Specific IgM and IgG titers were both highest in the acute Group I patients and lowest in the chronically infected Groups III and IV. Total IgG and IgM levels were compared to specific antibody titers. Immunoglobulin levels tended to follow specific antibody titers except in the chronically infected Groups III and IV in which total IgG rose to high levels. The decrease in specific antigen titers over the course of time occurred despite continued antigenic stimulation and suggests a modulation of the humoral response. The mechanism remains obscure.

Accepted for publication April 1, 1978.