Epidemiologic application of circulating antigen detection in a recent Schistosoma mansoni focus in northern Senegal

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1995 Aug;53(2):152-7. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1995.53.152.

Abstract

Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of circulating anodic antigen (CAA) and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in serum and urine were applied as an epidemiologic tool in a recent, intense focus of Schistosoma mansoni in Senegal. Both CAA and CCA in serum and CCA in urine were found in 94%, 83%, and 95%, respectively, of the population, of which 91% were positive on stool examination. Circulating antigens were also detectable in sera and urines of most egg-negative individuals. The sensitivities of the urine CCA and serum CAA ELISA were substantially higher than that of a single egg count, and increased with egg output. The CAA and CCA levels correlated well with egg counts and with each other. The age-related evolution of antigen levels followed a similar pattern as egg counts, providing supplementary evidence for a genuine reduction of worm burdens in adults in spite of the supposed absence of acquired immunity in this recently exposed community. The antigen:egg ratios decreased in adults, suggesting lower worm fecundity in children. This would be compatible with a density-dependent reduction of fecundity, but not with anti-fecundity immunity in adults that perhaps has not yet developed in this new focus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Helminth / blood*
  • Antigens, Helminth / urine*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Prevalence
  • Schistosoma mansoni / immunology*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / blood
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / epidemiology*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / urine
  • Senegal / epidemiology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antigens, Helminth