Analysis of the immune response of resistant and susceptible
subjects in endemic areas indicated that resistance was associated
with enhanced anti-parasite-IgE levels and that reinfection occurred
when patients were producing high levels of antibodies that could
compete with IgE. The results of these reinfection studies suggest that
acquired immunity develops slowly with age and that, although other
factors can not be excluded, IgE specific antibodies play an important
role in anti-schistosome resistance.
