Some immuno-pathological aspects in bilharzial and amoebic dysentery.

Serum immunoglobulin, secretory IgA in stools and leucocyte migration inhibition test were done for 75 patients suffering from bilharzial and amoebic dysentery as well as 20 normal controls. Sigmoidoscopic examination with immunofluorescent staining of colonic biopsy was done in patients with bilharzial dysentery. Humoral immune response increased significantly as detected by significant increase in serum IgG and IgM. Secretory IgA decreased significantly in bilharzial cases leucocyte migration inhibition test decreased significantly as well as plasma cells secreting IgA. This change in systemic and local immune response may predispose to infection or occur secondary to the disease.