[Value of indirect immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of "Trypanosoma gambiense" trypanosomiasis. 46 cases (author's translation)].

Several indirect fluorescents reactions were performed on 46 trypanosomepositive specimens which had been confirmed by parasitologic diagnosis. 38 sera analysed before the commencement of treatment were found to have a G.M.R.T. equal to I:I, 350 and the titer of antibody was, in all cases, greater than I:320. In all cases in the first phase, the titer was I:640 or higher. Four cases were followed beyond the second month and their titers decreased slowly, becoming negative in the fifth month. In 12 cases in the second phase, the cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated fluorescent antibodies although 10 cases in the first phase were negative for these antibodies. Three cerebrospinal fluid were faintly positive and these corresponded to the second phase biologically. In the treatment of individuals (using the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for antibody) the I.F.A.T. permits the classification of the patient into one of the two phases and enables the clinician to follow the course of therapeutic effectiveness. In mass screening, apparently healthy individuals possessing a serum titer of I:640 or higher are shown to need definitive treatment for trypanosomiasis, while those with titers of I:320 are those who may either be treated with Lomidine or tested regularly for change in serum titer.