Despite the existence of an effective medication against schistosomiasis, the disease remains a major health problem in affected areas, especially for those lacking appropriate sanitary facilities. Moreover, treatment cannot prevent re-infection since it is only effective on adult schistosome worms. Previous retrospective studies
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Despite the existence of an effective medication against schistosomiasis, the disease remains a major health problem in affected areas, especially for those lacking appropriate sanitary facilities. Moreover, treatment cannot prevent re-infection since it is only effective on adult schistosome worms. Previous retrospective studies in the Sudan have discovered unique immuno-epidemiological profiles in uninfected individuals and those positive for
Schistosoma mansoni via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) but egg-negative and those with eggs in their stool. Expanding on these data, serum samples from these individuals were further investigated for the presence of cercarial (
SmCTF)-specific antibodies, which would indicate immune responses at the early stages of infection. Indeed,
SmCTF IgG1, 2, 3 and 4 levels were significantly elevated in
SmPCR
+ individuals when compared to egg
+ patients. Following multivariable regression analysis, including
SmCTF-specific Igs,
Schistosoma egg antigen (SEA)-specific and
Schistosoma worm antigen (SWA)-specific immunoglobulins revealed a specific immunoglobulin (Ig) profile of individuals presenting different states of infection, which may be a useful future tool in order to identify egg
− individuals and thereby prevent unnecessary treatments.
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