INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AND TOTAL SERUM IgE IN ASYMPTOMATIC ADULT MALES IN AN URBAN SLUM AND EFFICACY OF ANTIPARASITIC THERAPY

Abstract

Malnutrition is thought to potentiate the polyclonal stimulation of IgE by parasites. This diminishes immunity due to the decrease in specific anti-parasitic IgE. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in chronically undernourished, asymptomatic adult males from a slum and efficacy of anti-parasitic therapy and its effect on total serum IgE were evaluated. Stool specimens from 51 subjects were examined. Anti-helminth and anti-protozoan therapy consisted of oral, single dose albendazole (400mg) and tinidazole (2g) respectively. Total serum IgE was measured. 23 (45.1%) subjects were positive. Albendazole and tinidazole cleared intestinal parasites but had no significant effect on total serum IgE levels.