Immunological aspects of urinary Schistisomiasis in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

SUMMARY Humans infected with Schistosoma parasite demonstrate substantial immune responses against both the intravascular adult worms and the schistosoma eggs retained in the tissue. However, no immunologically mediated adverse effect on the adult worms has been described. Also, the strong cellular responses directed to the eggs are modulated during the course of chronic infection. Thus continued exposure of the host to worm and egg antigens usually lead to regulation of the engendered responses and maintenance of a stable chronic host-parasite relationship.This review aims at providing background information on the immunological status of Nigerian school children (especially in Ibadan) with urinary schistosomiasis.