The immunology of filariasis. Scientific Working Group on Filariasis.

This report summarizes the available information on the immunology of filariasis, and discusses immunodiagnosis and the immunological factors influencing the host-parasite relationship in lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Several areas that require further research are identified, particularly concerning the development of new serological techniques, and the fractionation of specific antigens. The problems associated with vaccine development are considered and the importance of finding better animal models for research is stressed.