[The comparative value of the human basophil degranulation test and classical serology (immunofluorescence, haemagglutination, electrosyneresis, Vogel and Minning's Test) in the diagnosis of bilharzioses due to Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium].

The Human Basophil Degranulation Test (HBDT), using Benveniste's technique, was compared to four serological techniques in a group of 42 cases of intestinal and urinary bilharziosis: indirect immunofluorescence, passive haemagglutination, electrosyneresis, and Vogel and Minning's test. The HBDT proved to be 88% more sensitive than each of the other techniques. It showed excellent specificity in a group of 32 negative controls, allergic subjects or patients with other helminth infestations. This study establishes the HBDT as one of the best immunological diagnostic tests of bilharziosis. However, the HBDT is not quantitative and only indicates reaginic sensitivity. It should be used together with tests of humoral immunity.