Abstract
Epidemiological data indicate that maternal filarial infection might be associated with increased susceptibility to filarial infection in offspring. To examine the influence of maternal infection on development of antifilarial immunity in neonates, paired cord and maternal sera and mononuclear cells were collected in an area where Wuchereria bancrofti infection is endemic. Anti-filarial humoral responses (IgG, IgM and IgE), non-parasite-specific humoral responses (total IgE), proliferation induced by filarial antigen and production of cytokines (interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interferon-γ) were all monitored. Few cord serum samples had detectable antifilarial IgM or IgE and neither these responses nor total IgE levels differed as a function of maternal infection status. Of cord-blood mononuclear cells assayed, a relatively small proportion exhibited reactivity to filarial antigens. Based on these limited responses to filarial antigens, few neonates display evidence of in-utero sensitization to filarial antigens.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
