This work aims to study the role of circulating immune complexes
(CICs) in serodiagnosis of active schistosomiasis and in evaluation of
praziquantel efficacy. The detection of CIC by sandwich ELISA
technique, using monoclonal rntibodies against schistosomal antigen
diagnoses the active schistosomal infection and could be used as a more
potent tool than specific antibody IgG assay in accurate serodiagnosis of
schistosomiasis. The recorded increasing cure rates of Schistosoma
infected mice after praziquantel treatment (39.8%, 71.6% and 91.1%, 2,6
and 10 weeks post-treatment respectively) indicate that praziquantel
could be considered the milestone in treatment of schistosomiasis. The
praziquantel treatment temporarly increased the CIC levels, 2 and 6
weeks post-treatment, but CIC levels decreased significantly, 10 weeks
post-treatment. Specific CIC levels seem to reflect the morbidity status of
schistosomiasis more than other immunological parameters and the
disappearance of CIC, 10 weeks post-treatment, while schistosomal IgG
antibody levels still positive could be used as a monitor of cure and
evaluates drug efficacy. |
