The immune-dependence of chemotherapy in experimental schistosomiasis.

Experimental evidence indicates that immune effector mechanisms can enhance the activity of schistosomicidal drugs. Praziquantel, oxamniquine, hycanthone and antimony were less effective against Schistosoma mansoni infections in mice immunosuppressed by T cell-deprivation, than against comparable infections in normal mice. The schistosomicidal activities of praziquantel, oxamniquine and antimony have been experimentally enhanced by the synergistic action of immune sera. In passive serum transfer experiments a S. mansoni antigen of Mr 27kD with non-specific esterase activity was identified as a potentially sensitive target for the antibodies that interact with praziquantel. Indirect immunofluorescence indicated that this antigen was exposed on the worm surface as a result of praziquantel treatment.