Circulating antigens, immune complexes and C3d levels in human schistosomiasis: relationship with Schistosoma mansoni egg output
Santoro, F.; Prata, A.; Castro, C.N.; Capron, A.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 42(2): 219-225
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 7471514 Document Number: 155693
Circulating schistosome antigens (CSA), circulating immune complexes (CIC) and C3 breakdown product, C3d complement component 3 fragment d -were investigated in human schistosomiasis in comparison to the S. mansoni egg count. A close relationship was observed between the mean number of eggs/g of stool and the detection of CSA (evaluated by the radioimmunoprecipitation-PEG polyethylere glycol assay), CIC (C1q complement component 1 fragment q -binding test) and C3d levels (quantitated by radial immunodiffusion). All the patients with > 500 S. mansoni eggs/g of stool also presented antigen 4, specific of the genus Schistosoma, in the serum. A significant correlation was noticed between levels of CSA and CIC. This suggests the involvement of several schistosome antigens in the detected CIC. No relationship was not between CIC and C3d levels. There was a highly significant correlation between levels of CSA and C3d. The interaction between certain schistosome antigens and the complement system is discussed.