title: Serologic studies on onchocerciasis in Guatemala using fixed-tissue sections of adult Onchocerca volvulus.
abstract: Sera from 458 residents of a coffee plantation in an area of Guatemala endemic for onchocerciasis were examined for the presence of antibodies to Onchocerca volvulus using a fluorescent antibody (IFA) test with sections of adult worms as the antigen. Antibody response increased with age of the residents and microfilarial density. A total of 70.0% of the residents were serologically positive and 65.1% were positive for microfilariae. Males had higher microfilarial densities and higher IFA responses. Sixty-three individuals were positive for microfilariae and IFA-negative indicating a lack of sensitivity on the part of the test antigen. Seventy-four individuals were negative for microfilariae and IFA-positive, suggesting the possible usefulness of the test in the determination of present or past infection in the absence of microfilariae.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009854:Onchocerca / Q000276:immunology; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000941:Antigens