الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The study proved an intimate association between cytotoxic antibodies concentrations and the degree of disease evolution. These antibodies were expected to undergo down-modulation; a condition of hypo-responsiveness that guards against the development of the severe hepatosplenic disease. So, cases with the more severe forms of schistosomiasis were in a state of continued expression of these lethal immunoglobulins that in spite of being harmful to the parasite, they lead to aggravation of the hepatic insult by sharing in the process of granuloma formation elicited around eggs deposited in the liver. These granulomas are eventually replaced by fibrous tissue and finally the liver is decompensated. So, antibody detection may predict the clinical future of cases and modification of immune responses may affect the pathology. Results of salivary and stool IgA are promising regarding sensitivity and specificity and can be improved by more precise optimization and use of monoclonal conjugates. These tests would be of great help in epidemiological studies specially in children as being non invasive and do not need much experience in sample collection. Moreover, as secretory IgA has a short half life mainly due to continuous excretion, it could be a useful mean for evaluation of therapy and differentiation between active infection and old cured ones. |