Immunological studies in Schistosoma mansoni infection in St. Lucia

An investigation was made of the immunological status of matched groups of patients with Schictosoma mansoni infection in St. Lucia, one group with hepatosplenic disease and the other with only intestinal disease. No impairment of humoral or cellular immunity was detected in either group. IgG and IgM levels were above normal range and were higher in the patients with intestinal disease, but only the difference between groups in IgG level was statistically significant. In their reaction to specific schistisome antigens and ability to develop delayed hypersensitivity, the groups were about equal. (AU)