Immunoglobulins (Classes IgG, IgA and IgM) in Pregnant Women With Urinary Schistosomiasis in Ilie, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Context: The occurrence of schistosome eggs or worms in the female genital tract has been reported in several clinical conditions including ectopic pregnancy and infertility. The presence of schistosome eggs in urine has been reported to correlate with female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), but the impact of schistosome eggs or adult worms on host\'s immune responses during pregnancy is however yet to be determined.

Aims: In view of the possible occurrence of female genital schistosomiasis without the eggs being detected in the urine except surgical biopsy. Moreso, surgical procedure may have adverse effects on both the mother and foetus. The diagnostic relevance of three immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgA & IgM) was investigated in pregnant women with urinary schistosomiasis.

Design & Setting: Case-control study in Ilie village in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.

Subjects: They were made up of thirty pregnant women with urinary schistosomiasis (P+USS), thirty-six pregnant women without USS (P-USS), eighteen non-pregnant women with USS (NP+USS), and twenty-four non-pregnant healthy women without urinary schistosomiasis (NP-USS).

Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels of three immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgA, IgM) were determined using single radial immuno-diffusion technique in one hundred and eight Nigerian women.

Results: All the three classes of immunoglobulin were higher in P+USS compared with other groups. Both IgA and IgG were significantly different when P+USS and other groups were compared. No significant difference existed when IgM was compared in P+USS and P-USS or NP+USS and NP-USS or P-USS and NP-USS.

Conclusions: The results shows that raised IgM during pregnancy may indicate FGS among other causes.

Key Words: Immunoglobulins, Pregnancy, Schistosomiasis

[Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004;21:125-127]