Immunological studies of onchocerciasis in Guatemala. I. Immunoglobulin levels in Guatemalan onchocerciasis.

The serum levels of the four immunoglobulins, IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE, in Guatemalan onchocerciasis patients were determined quantitatively using a laser immunoassay system or radioimmunosorbent test. The IgG and IgE levels in Guatemalan onchocerciasis patients positive for Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae were significantly higher than the levels in Guatemalan controls negative for microfilariae and in healthy Japanese controls. But, no differences in the levels of IgA and IgM were obtained between the Guatemalan onchocerciasis patient group and the two control groups.