Preliminary investigation of bilharzial patients for the presence of Australia antigen using latex agglutination test.

THE AUSTRALIA antigen was studied by the use of a reversed passive latex agglutination test in the sera of 250 cases, mostly bilharzial. The results were analysed in relation to age, clinical presentation, bilharzial infestation, antibilharzial treatment, jaundice and serum bilirubin. It was found that, the test was significantly more positive in hepatosplenic cases, in those with past history of bilharziasis, in those with jaundice and in those with higher serum bilirubin level. While no significant difference was found in relation to age, and to history of antibilharzial treatment.