Schistosomiasis mansoni has a particular immunological pattern. Its hepatosplenic form develops sometimes to esophageal and gastric varices, hemorrhages that require surgical treatment. Despite of splenectomy frequently being required, these patients rarely present with septic events. These findings may be related to changes in the immunological system. In order to investigate the immunological pattern of patients with schistosomiasis, we studied the B- and T- lymphocytes and immunoglobulins - IgM, IgA and IgG - in operated and non-operated patients. Distal splenorenal shunts were related to increased T-lymphocytes. IgM and IgA were increased in patients submitted to subtotal and total splenectomy. The IgM was also increased in non-operated patients. These results suggest that chronic schistosomiasis may affect the immune system and protect patients even after total splenectomy.
Schistosomiasis mansoni; lymphocytes; splenectomy; immunoglobulins; splenic preservation
