Open AccessPrevalence of anti‐R‐13 antibodies in human Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Author(s) -
Aznar Christine,
LopezBergami Pablo,
Brandariz Silvia,
Mariette Christine,
Liegeard Pascale,
Alves Maria do Carmo de Deus,
Barreiro Erika Luna,
Carrasco Roxana,
Lafon Sonia,
Kaplan Dan,
Miguez Hortencia,
Camacho Clara,
Levitus Gabriela,
Mariano Levin J.,
Hontebeyrie Mireille
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1995.tb00197.x
Subject(s) - trypanosoma cruzi , biology , chagas disease , antibody , virology , microbiology and biotechnology , trypanosomiasis , immunology , parasite hosting , world wide web , computer science
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi develops in three phases: acute, indeterminate or asymptomatic, and chronic phase (with cardiac or digestive manifestations). Moreover, transmission may occur from infected mothers to newborn, the so‐called congenital form. In the present study, humoral responses against T. cruzi total extract and against the 13 amino acid peptide named R‐13 derived from the parasite ribosomal P protein, previously described as a possible marker of chronic Chagas heart disease, were determined pateints and in blood bank donors from endemic areas. While in sera from acute phase, only IgM anti‐ T.cruzi response was observed, both IgM and IgG anti‐ T. cruzi antibodies were detected in sera from congenitally infected newborns. The percentage of positive response in sera from blood bank donors was relatively high in endemic regions. Antibodies against the R‐13 peptide were present in a large proportion of cardiac chagasic patients but were totally lacking in patients with digestive form of Chagas disease. Furthermore, anti‐R‐13 positive responses were detected in congenitally infected newborns.