Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
9
pubmed:dateCreated
2001-10-8
pubmed:abstractText
Onchocerciasis is caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and is a major public health problem in West and Central Africa. With only partial and long-term treatment currently available, there is a need to develop a suitable vaccine. We analysed the antibody response to infective L3 larvae because this stage is thought to be associated with host protective immunity. In addition, we have related our findings to the age, gender and current infection intensity of our participants: variables that may significantly influence antibody production. Interestingly, whilst 90% of our study group were seropositive for adult specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, only 23% produced L3 specific IgE. This is in contrast to IgG4 where seropositivity was comparable at 96% and 92%, respectively. Furthermore, IgG levels were significantly affected by age and the intensity of infection but unaffected by host gender. This finding is independent for the IgG subclass (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) and its specificity (L3 versus adult antigen). In summary, we show that L3 larvae induce little specific IgE and the antibody response shows a different isotype balance than that against adult antigens. Both host and parasite variables can influence antibody production in this disease.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0141-9838
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
23
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
509-16
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2001
pubmed:articleTitle
Antibody responses in onchocerciasis as a function of age and infection intensity.
pubmed:affiliation
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. helen.faulkner@nottingham.ac.uk
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't