Circulating immune complex in bilharzial arthropathy.

: Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the immune complex (IC) level was estimated in sera of 100 individuals grouped as follows; Group 1: 40 cases with bilharzial arthropathy. Group II: 20 cases with bilharziasis. Group III: 20 cases with rheumatoid arthritis. Group IV: 20 apparently healthy individuals. IC level was also estimated in synovial fluid of 4 cases with knee joint effusion. A significant increase in IC level in cases with bilharzial infection (with or without arthropathy) was noticed. This was higher in intestinal than in urinary bilharziasis. Further more IC level was significantly higher in cases of bilharzial arthropathy than in cases with bilharziasis alone. The IC level in synovial fluid was higher than in serum with a positive correlation. The role of IC as a causative agent in the pathogenesis of bilharzial arthropathy is clearly discussed.