Two schools in rural Tanzania were surveyed regarding the pupils’ nutrition
(weight and height), serum immunogbobuhins (IgA, IgG, 1gM, and IgE), autoantibodies, malaria
antibodies, hepatitis B antigenemia, and fecal and urinary parasites. The survey attempted to
quantify the relative importance of undernutrition and parasitic infestation in determining the
serological abnormalities found. Of all the children surveyed 69% were undernourished (less than
80% of expected weight for age); 63% had fecal parasites and 38% had urinary schistosomiasis.
Serum IgG and 1gM concentrations were raised and the serum IgE concentration was strikingly
raised (mean 4990IU/ml). Elevated serum IgE was associated with ascariasis. Autoantibodies were
common but no autoimmune disease was detected. Notably there was a 35% prevalence of reticuhin
antibody. This reticulin antibody positivity correlated with increased malaria antibody concentrations.
Reduced malaria antibody concentration was significantly associated with hepatitis B
antigenemia. The study illustrates that parasites, notably malaria, are important determinants of
the serum antibodies of children in the tropics and suggests that mild undernutrition has little
effect. Am. J. Cliii. Nutr. 34: 1292-1299, 1981.