[Studies on recombinant chitinase and SXP-1 antigens as antimicrofilarial vaccines].

Aim: To determine whether immunization with recombinant filarial chitinase or a fragment containing the epitope recognized by McAbMF1 and SXP-1 could protect jirds against microfilaremia resulting from infection with B. malayi.

Methods: Test jirds were immunized with the following recombinant parasite antigens: filarial chitinase, the c-terminal fragments F7R2 or F8R2 of r-chitinase, filarial SXP-1, myosin or maltose binding protein (MBP).

Evaluation of PCR-based methods for the diagnosis of infection in bancroftian filariasis.

The value of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of Wuchereria bancrofti infection was evaluated in comparison to microscopical examination of night blood smears, Nuclepore filtration, serology and ultrasonography. No correlation was found between PCR-based deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probing and serology. We did not find any evidence of free filarial DNA in either blood plasma or chylocoele fluid.

Pathogenesis of lymphatic disease in bancroftian filariasis: a clinical perspective.

The pathogenesis of lymphatic filariasis has been a matter of debate for many decades. Here, Gerusa Dreyer and colleagues propose a dynamic model of bancroftian filariasis, integrating clinical, parasitological, surgical, therapeutic, ultrasonographic and histopathological data. This model has profound implications for filariasis control programs and the management of the individual patient.

Acute attacks in the extremities of persons living in an area endemic for bancroftian filariasis: differentiation of two syndromes.

The natural history of lymphatic disease in human filariasis remains unclear, but recurrent episodes of acute lymphangitis are believed to constitute a major risk factor for the development of chronic lymphoedema and elephantiasis. Prospective analysis of 600 patients referred to the filariasis clinic of the Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães/FIOCRUZ in Recife, Brazil, indicated that 2 distinct acute syndromes accompanied by lymphangitis occur in residents of this filariasis-endemic area. One syndrome, which we call acute filarial lymphangitis (AFL), is caused by the death of adult worms.

Extralymphatic disease due to bancroftian filariasis.

Infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or B. timori not only affects the structure and function of lymphatic vessels but is also associated with extralymphatic pathology and disease. Because it is now possible to detect living adult worms by ultrasonography, much emphasis is placed on lymphatic pathology.