Enzyme immunoassay of the level of parasite-specific IgE antibodies in schistosomiasis using the monoclonal antibody BL-IgE 9

Sera from patients with chronic schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium) were examined for the presence of parasite specific IgE antibodies by means of ELISA technique using tegument antigen prepared from adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni and using the monoclonal antibody BL-IgE 9. Individuals from tropical countries who had no schistosomiasis and blood donors from GDR were studied for comparison. Significantly higher levels of specific IgE antibody were given by sera from patients with schistosomiasis than by the controls. These differential responses serologically differentiated between patients with chronic schistosome infections and noninfected individuals.