The development of anti-immunoglobulin antibodies in rhesus monkeys repeatedly exposed to Schistosoma japonicum.

ABSTRACT

The development of anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies in rhesus monkeys repeatedly exposed to Schistosoma japonicum cercariae was studied. Anti-Ig developed in all 8 monkeys exposed 5 times to cercariae of the Formosan strain, while none of 4 monkeys exposed once to the Philippine strain developed such antibodies in the same period. All monkeys developing anti-Ig had specificities for IgA, 6 of 8 for IgM and IgG, and 7 of 8 for rabbit Ig. The persistence of anti-Ig was greatly extended in the monkeys exposed initially to the Formosan strain and then challenged with the Philippine strain. A single monkey exposed once to the Philippine strain developed anti-IgA and anti-rabbit Ig 85 weeks postinfection. No relationship between host reaction to trapped eggs and the development of anti-Ig was discerned. The results suggest that immunization protocols designed for humans be carefully examined for their potential immunopathological side effects.