THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLOOD-LEVELS OF IGM, IGA, IGG AND IGG SUBCLASSES IN SUDANESE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS PATIENTS

We developed an ELISA test using leishmania antigenic extracts to dete ct antigen-specific antibody responses, including subclass and isotype analysis, in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients from the Sudan. A t otal of 92 parasitologically proven patients were compared with cutane ous leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, malaria, onchocerciasis and tuberc ulosis patients, as well as with healthy endemic and non-endemic contr ols. Some VL patients were examined before and after chemotherapy. VL patients showed significantly higher IgG responses compared with all o ther groups (9.34% sensitivity, 93.7% specificity), and higher (but no t significantly) IgM responses. All groups showed low IgA levels. All IgG subclasses, IgG1, 2, 3, and 4, showed higher levels in patients th an all other groups, with IgG1 and IgG3 levels being significantly red uced following treatment. The rank order for specificity and sensitivi ty for IgG subclasses was IgG3 > IgG1 > IgG2 > 1gG4.