Abstract.
The morbidity and immunological response to naturally acquired Schistosoma mansoni infection in a population of wild baboons (n=28) was investigated. Serum obtained from the baboons was assayed for adult worm (SWAP) and schistosome egg (SEA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies. The animals were euthanised, perfused to recover adult schistosome worms and schistosome-related pathology was assessed. Nineteen animals (68%) had high serum levels of SWAP-specific IgG antibodies and 15 (54%) had high levels of SEA-specific IgG antibodies. Nine animals (32%) had high levels of SWAP-specific IgM antibodies and six (21%) had high levels of SEA-specific IgM antibodies. Mild schistosome-related pathology was noted in 18 animals (64%). However, adult schistosome worms were recovered from only three animals (10%). The results indicate a high exposure to schistosomiasis for free-ranging baboons inhabiting an endemic area, as evidenced by the high prevalence of parasite-specific humoral antibody response. However, this high exposure is associated with low worm recovery and mild pathology. In addition, parasite-specific IgM antibodies provided a good indicator of an active schistosome infection.
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Acknowledgements.
We gratefully acknowledge financial support for A.B. by the Swedish International Development Agency and for H.-E.C. by the Swedish Medical Research Council, which enabled them to travel to Kenya to participate in the project. We also wish to declare this study complied with all existing laws in Kenya and was approved by the Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee at the Institute of Primate Research.
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Farah, I., Börjesson, A., Kariuki, T. et al. Morbidity and immune response to natural schistosomiasis in baboons (Papio anubis). Parasitol Res 91, 344–348 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-003-0982-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-003-0982-7