Bancroftian filariasis in Haiti: Preliminary characterization of the immunological responsiveness of microfilaremic individuals

P. J. Lammie, L. E. Leiva, A. J. Ruff, M. L. Eberhard, R. C. Lowrie, S. P. Katz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Patent infections with the lymphatic filariae, Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, are associated with suppressed in vitro cellular responsiveness to filarial antigens. In studies of bancroftial filariasis in Haiti, a significant number of microfilaremic individuals can be characterized as 'responders' to filarial antigens. Cells from 37/74 untreated microfilaremic subjects responded to B. pahangi antigen (stimulation ratio > 2) as detected by in vitro blastogenesis. A comparison of responders to nonresponders revealed a significant difference in mean B. pahangi reactivity (15,822 vs. 4,538 cpm, P < 0.001), but no significant differences with respect to age, microfilaremia, PPD or PHA reactivity, or B. pahangi-specific antibody levels. Subtle differences may exist between these groups with respect to recognition of specific antigens on Western blots.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)125-129
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

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