Nonspecific skin reactions in intestinal schistosomiasis and their practical value
Owczarek, L.
Bulletin of the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia 30(2): 205-216
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0324-8542 PMID: 534783 Document Number: 143563
Of 4556 patients examined in Lubumbashi, Zaire, 292 (199 women and 93 men) aged 20 to 40 years had schistosomiasis. 230 were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and 62 with S. intercalatum. Diagnosis was confirmed by the finding of ova in the faeces, skin reaction tests or clinical symptoms. 125 of 144 patients with S. mansoni given as intradermal tuberculin test were positive (the red infiltration area was > 8 mm in diameter) and 40 patients with urinary schistosomiasis plus the control group were negative. Neither group of patients had had any form of tuberculosis. The skin exudates were treated by the Rebuck method. Significant differences in the percentage of macrophages and granulocytes between the 2 groups of patients (28 and 68.2%, respectively) were seen after 24 h.