Delayed hypersensitivity in Ugandan schistosomiasis. I. Sensitivity, specificity, and immunological features of intradermal responses
Moriearty, P.L.; Lewert, R.M.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 23(2): 169-178
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 4817665 Document Number: 81993
Immediate hypersensitivity and delayed hypersensitivity responses to intradermal injection of Schistosoma mansoni adult worm and cercarial antigens were examined in 700 Africans in Uganda, an area endemic for schistosomiasis mansoni. The sensitivity of the immediate hypersensitivity test with adult worm antigen was high but specificity was low. The sensitivity of the delayed hypersensitivity test was low. Combined use of the 2 tests improved specificity markedly in children but only slightly in adults. The delayed hypersensitivity test was not an indication of the number of eggs in the faeces. The cercarial antigen was found to have no advantage over adult worm antigen. Although the use of the delayed hypersensitivity test in diagnosis of S. mansoni infection seems limited some other possible uses are discussed.