Quantitative determination of specific IgE antibodies to schistosome antigens and serum IgE levels in patients with schistosomiasis (S. mansoni or S. haematobium)
Serum IgE concentrations were determined in 156 patients with S. mansoni schistosomiasis. IgE levels were increased in 77·5% of the individuals, 21·8% having IgE concentrations over 5000 i.u./ml. IgG levels were also elevated in 68·5% of the subjects. No significant difference was observed in IgE concentration between patients with asymptomatic, intestinal or hepatosplenic bilharziasis. IgE antibodies to schistosomal antigens were quantitatively measured for the first time, by the use of an immunosorbent technique. Significantly elevated IgE antibody levels were demonstrated in twenty-four out of thirty-four patients. No correlation was observed with the clinical course of the infection or serological findings. Levels of IgE antibodies however correlated with overall serum IgE. Specific IgE antibodies were also demonstrated in eleven out of twenty-one individuals with urinary bilharziasis.