Some observations on complement fixation in onchocerciasis in Guatemalans.

Recent investigations of infections with Onchocerca volvulus in Guatemala presented the opportunity to study some aspects of complement fixation (CF) antibody titers. An extract of adult O. volvulus obtained from nodules excised from patients was used as antigen. Serum was procured from individuals whose intensity of infection was determined by skin snip counts of microfilariae. In general there was an inverse relationship between intensity of infection and CF titers. This correlation was significant in men 40 years and older. The CF titer of women was greater than that of men with the same intensity of infection.