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- The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 70, Issue 3, 1 Mar 2004, p. 329 - 335
f HUMAN CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS: EVALUATION OF POST-TREATMENT SEROLOGIC FOLLOW-UP BY IgG SUBCLASS ANTIBODY DETECTION
Abstract
Assessment of post-treatment disease activity among patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) is insensitive using detection of CE-specific total IgG antibody. This study investigated whether serum concentrations of CE-specific IgG subclasses 1–4 correlate better with disease activity than total IgG. We studied a cohort of patients (n = 28) with symptomatic CE treated with anthelminthic drugs and surgery and who were followed up clinically and radiologically for a mean of 5.6 years (range = 3–12 years). Serial archived sera collected during follow-up were retrospectively analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using crude horse hydatid cyst fluid as antigen. Changes in concentrations of antibodies were correlated with clinical and radiologic outcome. At diagnosis, concentrations of CE-specific total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibodies were significantly elevated in a greater proportion of patients compared with IgG3 and IgG4 antibodies. During post-treatment follow up, the IgG2 antibody response provided the best correlate of disease activity.
- 24 Oct 2003
- 01 Dec 2003