Abstract:

Abstract AIM:To explore the kinetics of soluble egg antigen (SEA) and its antibody level as well as egg granuloma in the liver tissue of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum of various intensity and their interrelations. METHOD: Immunohistochemical technique and profile analytical technique. RESULTS: In three groups of mice infected with 10, 20 and 40 cercariae, respectively, SEA in the liver tissue was first detected at 4th week post infection (p.i.), reaching a peak level at 6 9th week, and then gradually dropped. Anti SEA antibody in the liver tissue was first detected at 6th week p.i., and then gradually rose to peak level at 10th week p.i., The levels of antigen and antibody were alike correspondingly among the three groups at the same stage after infection. No egg granuloma could be found until 6th week p.i.. The peak of the average diameter and area of liver egg granuloma was noted at 7th week p.i., then dropped gradually, showing no significant differences among the three groups. CONCLUTION: The levels of SEA and its antibody in the liver tissue were closely correlated with the egg granuloma, and showed no significant correlation with the intensity of the infection. Key works: Schistosoma japonicum, intensity of infection, antigen, antibody, egg granuloma