[Clinical immunology of hepato-splenic bilharziasis].

Field studies on immunity in human schistosomiasis gave evidence for a slow development with age of an acquired resistance to reinfection. Recent results support the idea of a progressive build-up of high levels of protective IgE, and probably IgA, overcoming the initial influence of blocking Ig G4 antibodies. Chemotherapy does not apparently modify the susceptibility to infection. A. Capron's candidate vaccine is now ready for human trials, and represents a promising tool in controlling schistosomiasis morbidity while diminishing the parasite transmission efficiency.