الفهرس 
Immunology of schistosomiasisOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 32 |  |  |
| | | from | 32 | | |
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most wide spread parasitic infections that affect man. It is
estimated that more than ZOO million persons residing in rural areas are infected and that GOO
million persons are at risk of infection (’11/!J{O, 1993).
In Egypt, the disease is considered a major health problem due to its high prevalence especially
among rural areas. TI1e disease and its complications affect the production potential and thereby
reduce the national income (’E[ 1(fio6y et a£.,
1991).
Laboratory methods which demonstrate ova in excreta or biopsy material are generally more specific
than serological assays of antischistosomal antigens or antibodies {Peters ana 1(a.zura, 1987}.
However :J(foetzeG 1963, has pointed out the majority of Schistosoma! eggs are retained in the
tissues. The absence of Schistosoma ova in excreta does not exclude the presence of live adult
worms.
A reliable serological test for schistosomiasis would be of particular value in epidemiological
work such as in assessing the progress of control measures for which there is often difficulties in
obtaining and examining feces. ’l11e effectiveness of the various serological tests for the
diagnosis of bilharziasis depends on the type and quality of the antigenic material employed
{Capron, 1978}. Immunological diagnosis depends on the presence of antibodies in the serum of
infected patients which are formed as the result of schistosoma! antigenic stimulation (9-{assan
eta(., 1979}.