Anti-oxidant status and lipid peroxidation in patients with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND

Lipid peroxidation and derived oxidized products are being intensively investigated, because of their potential to cause injury and their pathogenetic role in several clinically significant diseases. The view that an excess of lipid peroxidation products is present and relevant in the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension or in hypertension-induced damage has still not received definitive support.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate both the extent of lipoperoxidation in essential hypertensive patients and the status of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants that potentially are able to modulate it

METHODS

We selected 105 newly diagnosed essential hypertensives among those referred to our hypertension outpatient clinic and compared them with 100 normotensive controls matched for age. Plasma malondialdehyde was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography after reaction with thiobarbituric acid, as an end product of lipid peroxidation; serum selenium (Se), plasma copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), vitamins A and E, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were evaluated as indices of oxidant balance. Differences between the groups were tested by Student's t test and chi2 test.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, essential hypertension patients had higher malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase activities (P<0.05 for both) and Zn concentrations (P<0.001) and lower superoxide dismutase activities (P<0.005), vitamin A (P<0.05) and E (P<0.001) levels and Cu concentrations (P<0.005). We found no difference between Se levels of essential hypertensive and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Essential hypertension is associated with greater than normal lipoperoxidation and an imbalance in anti-oxidant status, suggesting that oxidative stress is important in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension or in arterial damage related to essential hypertension.

Neutrophil arachidonic acid level and adhesive capability are increased in essential hypertension

BACKGROUND

We recently demonstrated that arachidonic:linoleic acid ratio of erythrocytes of essential hypertension patients is greater than normal.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate fatty acid composition, capability for adhesion to biological substrate and expression of beta2 integrins of leucocytes obtained from peripheral blood and skin window exudate of essential hypertension patients.

DESIGN

Neutrophil activation state was evaluated by reproducing the various conditions occurring in vivo during the life of the cell (i.e. under the 'resting' condition, such as in peripheral blood, and 'primed' condition, such as after transmigration through the endothelium and after administration of specific chemo-attractants). Because both peripheral blood and skin window leucocytes of the subjects were obtained on the same day, we could be sure that there had been no dietary influences on changes in levels of fatty acid. Thus, the observed changes should reliably reflect the metabolic rate of utilization of fatty acids coupled to the activation and migration of cells.

RESULTS

Leucocytes from essential hypertension patients were richer in arachidonic acid than were the corresponding cells from normotensive subjects; this difference was also evident for functionally activated skin window leucocytes, in spite of there having been a greater loss of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid after migration. Moreover, a greater than normal arachidonic acid:linoleic acid ratio was shown for the first time to apply for leucocytes of essential hypertension patients, so extending our previous findings on the erythrocytes. Leucocytes from essential hypertension patients, collected both from peripheral blood and from skin window exudate, proved far more adhesive than the corresponding cells from age-matched and sex-matched controls, but this was not associated with a quantitative hyperexpression of beta2 integrins.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that an increase in availability of arachidonic acid in leucocytes could be a further expression of the generalized disturbance of fatty acid levels associated with essential hypertension and that a condition of hyperadhesion of neutrophils could occur spontaneously in vivo during the course of hypertension.

Diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma in a children's hospital

A comprehensive review of 487 emergency dental trauma visits seen at a children's hospital during a 3-year period was performed to investigate aspects of trauma care that have not been previously reported. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and injury treatment were analyzed. General patient characteristics and diagnoses were consistent with other studies. Young children were often injured in falls within the home whereas older children were often injured in sports and activities outside the home. The emergency visit was the first contact with the dentist for 80% of children 3.5 years old and younger. Maxillary incisors accounted for 84% of primary tooth injuries: examination and extraction were common treatments. Maxillary incisors accounted for 87% of permanent tooth injuries: bandage restorations and splint placement were frequent treatments. An assistive restraint device was used most often for children 4 years and younger who required extractions. The restraint was used more frequently during clinic hours with support staff present than after hours with a sole provider. Hospital facilities were not essential for treatment of the patients in this study.

Most potential linear B cell epitopes of Env glycoproteins of feline immunodeficiency virus are immunogenically silent in infected cats

A battery of sixty-six 20- to 23-amino acid synthetic peptides, partially overlapping by 10-12 amino acids, spanning the entire sequence of the envelope (Env) glycoproteins of the Petaluma isolate of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV-Pet), has been used to map Env linear B cell epitopes. By screening FIV-infected cat sera for anti-peptide reactivity, the existence of two immunodominat domains, namely the V3 region of the surface (SU) glycoprotein and the domain including the highly conserved sequence QNQFF of the transmembrane (TM) glycoprotein, was detected; antibody-binding sites were also mapped in the domain overlapping the cleavage site between SU and TM encompassing the V6 variable region. Moreover, at least two novel linear B epitopes, the former spanning residues 427M-H446 and the latter spanning residues 737N-N756 and likely representing a "type-specific" determinant, have been revealed. The battery of synthetic peptides was then used to immunize outbred Swiss mice in the attempt to reveal other potential sites of immunogenicity of the Env glycoproteins. Analysis of peptide-immunized mouse sera for anti-peptide reactivity revealed more numerous B cell epitopes, generally mapping in different peptides, as compared with those defined in the feline system. None of the mouse anti-peptide sera, however, proved neutralizing for FIV-Pet.

Inhibition of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in vitro by envelope glycoprotein synthetic peptides

Sixty-six 20- to 23-amino-acid synthetic peptides, partially overlapping by 10-12 amino acids, spanning the entire sequence of the envelope SU and TM glycoproteins of the Petaluma isolate of FIV, have been used to investigate the Env domains involved in viral infection. Peptides 5 to 7, spanning amino acids 225E-P264 located in a conserved region of the SU protein, and peptides 58 to 61, spanning amino acids 767N-P806 and encompassing hypervariable region 8 of TM protein, exhibited a remarkable and specific antiviral effect against the homologous and one heterologous isolate, as judged by inhibition of FIV-induced syncytium formation and p25 production in CrFK cells. Peptides 5 and 7, but not peptides 58 and 59, also inhibited viral replication of a fresh FIV isolate on nontransformed lymphoid cells. By flow cytometry, peptides 5, 7, 58, and 59 were shown to bind the surface of FIV permissive cells. The antiviral activity of peptides 5 and 7, however, was time-dependent, as inhibition of FIV replication was seen when the peptides were administered before or within 3 hr after virus inoculation; in contrast, TM peptides 58 and 59 exerted a potent inhibitory effect when added up to 24 hr after virus inoculation. Circular dychroism analysis showed that peptide 5 folds to a helical conformation in the presence of a hydrophobic environment. Although the basis for the antiviral action of the peptides is not understood, our data suggest that the inhibitory peptides may act by interacting with cell-surface molecules involved in viral infection.

NiTi shape memory alloys treated by plasma-polymerized tetrafluoroethylene. A physicochemical and electrochemical characterization

NiTi alloy specimens were plasma cleaned and then coated with a thin film of plasma-polymerized tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) in a Radio-Frequency reactor. The corrosion protection provided by these films was studied by potentiodynamic tests performed in Hank's physiological solution. Surface properties which determine biocompatibility were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the surface of untreated NiTi was mostly composed by oxygen, carbon, titanium oxide (TiO2) with traces of nickel oxides (NiO and Ni2O3) and metallic Ni. The passivity of untreated NiTi was found to be unstable in the simulated human body media. After plasma treatment, the NiTi surface contained only carbon and fluor. The plasma-polymerized thin film was found to stabilize the NiTi passivity and to increase its pitting potential. This treatment provides a good protection against dissolution of nickel from NiTi alloys.

Epitope mapping of the V3 domain of feline immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein by monoclonal antibodies

A panel of six IgG monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was produced by immunizing mice with a 22 amino acid synthetic peptide, designated V3.3, of the third variable region of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) envelope glycoprotein. This peptide is known to induce neutralizing antibodies in cats. In ELISA all MAbs reacted with purified SDS-disrupted FIV and in flow cytometry all MAbs stained permeated, persistently infected FL4 cells but not unfixed FL4 cells; this indicated that the MAbs recognize essentially cryptic epitopes of the gp100 V3 loop. By direct ELISA using partially overlapping synthetic peptides and by competition binding studies, the anti-V3.3 MAbs were shown to detect at least four distinct epitopes, two located in the amino-terminal half and two in the carboxy-terminal half of the sequence. When tested for neutralizing activity by the syncytium inhibition assay in Crandell feline kidney cells, all anti-V3.3 MAbs neutralized FIV at high dilution. However, at low dilution two MAbs exhibited much less neutralizing activity. These results indicate that the V3 region of FIV contains multiple epitopes involved in neutralization.

Circulating immune complexes and analysis of renal immune deposits in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats

Total immunoglobulin content and concentration of immune complexes (IC) were determined in the sera of 51 cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and of 40 controls. IgG and IgM were quantified by radial immunodiffusion and circulating IC (CIC) by the CIC-conglutinin assay. IgG fractions were obtained by acid elution from kidney tissues of 15 FIV-infected and five negative control cats to investigate the possible role of IC in the genesis of renal damage observed in infected animals. Mean concentrations of IgG and circulating IC were higher in FIV-infected cats than in controls (29.6 +/- 6.7 versus 23.0 +/- 1.9 mg/dl (mean +/- s.d.) P < 0.001; and 66.5 +/- 17.0 versus 27.4 +/- 19.9% I, P < 0.001, respectively), while IgM levels were only slightly increased (0.9 +/- 0.05 versus 0.87 +/- 0.04 mg/dl, P < 0.02). Immunoglobulin fractions were eluted from 10 of the 15 renal tissue samples from FIV-infected cats and were found to be polyclonal and at least partly specific for FIV antigens. These findings confirm the presence of a B cell activation in FIV-infected cats and demonstrate the presence of high levels of CIC in their sera. The presence of immune deposits in renal tissues suggests that IC might play a role in the pathogenesis of the renal damage observed in FIV-infected cats.

Examination of variables affecting syncytium formation by, and serum neutralization of, feline immunodeficiency virus on CrFK cells

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) induces syncytia in Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells grown in low fetal bovine serum-containing medium. This finding has allowed the development of sensitive FIV titration and neutralization assays using syncytium formation as an indicator of infection. In this report we examine several variables that can influence number and size of syncytia. In addition, by performing assays under rigidly controlled culture conditions, we confirm that serum neutralization assays based on FIV-induced syncytium formation in CrFK cells detect broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies.

The fluctuations of hepatitis C virus RNA and IgM anti-HCV (core) serum levels correlate with those of alanine aminotransferases during the hepatitis relapses of patients treated with interferon

Variations in the serum levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. IgM antibody against the HCV 'core' structural protein (c22) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) were measured in 23 patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent therapy with interferon-alpha 2a (IFN alpha 2a). Low pretreatment levels of viraemia and undetectable IgM anti-core were significantly associated with a long-term response to treatment. In patients with hepatitis relapses after the end of treatment, HCV RNA levels increased before or at the same time as ALT in 29 out of 34 cases (85%). ALT flares occurred before or simultaneously with IgM anti-core elevations in 18 out of 20 cases (90%). Therefore, post-treatment hepatitis C exacerbations show the same sequence of events seen as in hepatitis B exacerbations (increases of viraemia followed by those of ALT and IgM anti-'core'). These findings underscore the diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of monitoring anti-HCV-positive patients with quantitative assays for HCV markers.

Renal involvement in feline immunodeficiency virus infection: p24 antigen detection, virus isolation and PCR analysis

Renal alterations characterized morphologically by glomerular and tubulo-interstitial lesions and clinically by a heavy proteinuria and sometimes by renal failure are frequent in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cats. To investigate the possible role of local FIV replication in the genesis of this renal damage, renal tissues of 15 consecutive naturally infected and five non-infected cats were examined for traces of the virus by immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal anti-p24 antibody in a streptavidin-biotin peroxidase labeled system, cultivation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tubular epithelial cells as well as scattered interstitial inflammatory and glomerular cells were positive for p24 antigen in 13 cats. Viral isolation was successful in seven cats, and FIV gag DNA and RNA sequences were detected in 14 and five cats, respectively. Control cats were constantly negative. Although not conclusive, these results suggest that a direct role of FIV in the induction of the renal damage observed in infected animals is possible.

Feline immunodeficiency virus: an interesting model for AIDS studies and an important cat pathogen

The lentivirus feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a widespread pathogen of the domestic cat that is mainly transmitted through bites, although other means of transmission are also possible. Its prevalence ranges from 1 to 10% in different cat populations throughout the world, thus representing a large reservoir of naturally infected animals. FIV resembles the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in many respects. Similarities include the structural features of the virion, the general organization and great variability of the genome, the life cycle in the infected host, and most importantly, the pathogenic potential. Infection is associated with laboratory signs of immunosuppression as well as with a large variety of superinfections, tumors, and neurological manifestations. Our understanding of FIV is steadily improving and is providing important clues to the pathogenesis of immunodeficiency-inducing lentiviruses. The cellular receptor for FIV is different from the feline equivalent of the human CD4 molecule used by HIV; nevertheless, the major hallmark of infection is a progressive loss of CD4+ T lymphocytes as in HIV infection. The mechanisms by which FIV escapes the host's immune responses are being actively investigated. FIV causes lysis of infected T cells and also appears to predispose these cells to apoptosis. Infection of macrophages and other cell types has also been documented. For reasons yet to be understood, antibody-mediated neutralization of fresh FIV isolates is very inefficient both in vitro and in vivo. Vaccination studies have provided some encouraging results, but the difficulties encountered appear to match those met in HIV vaccine development. FIV susceptibility to antiviral agents is similar to that of HIV, thus providing a valuable system for in vivo preclinical evaluation of therapies. It is concluded that in many respects FIV is an ideal model for AIDS studies.

A neutralizing antibody-inducing peptide of the V3 domain of feline immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein does not induce protective immunity

Specific-pathogen-free cats, immunized with a 22-amino-acid synthetic peptide designated V3.3 and derived from the third variable region of the envelope glycoprotein of the Petaluma isolate of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), developed high antibody titers to the V3.3 peptide and to purified virus, as assayed by enzyme-linked immunoassays, as well as neutralizing antibodies, as assayed by the inhibition of syncytium formation in Crandell feline kidney cells. V3.3-immunized animals and control cats were challenged with FIV and then monitored for 12 months; V3.3 immunization failed to prevent FIV infection, as shown by virus isolation, anti-whole virus and anti-p24 immunoglobulin G antibody responses, and positive PCRs for gag and env gene fragments. Sequence analysis of the V3 region showed no evidence for the emergence of escape mutants that might have contributed to the lack of protection. The sera of the V3.3-hyperimmunized cats and two anti-V3.3 monoclonal antibodies neutralized FIV infectivity for Crandell feline kidney cells at high antibody dilutions but paradoxically failed to completely neutralize FIV infectivity at low dilutions. Moreover, following FIV challenge, V3.3-immunized animals developed a faster and higher antiviral antibody response than control cats. This was probably due to enhanced virus replication, as also suggested by quantitative PCR data.

Detection of feline immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen and p24-specific antibodies by monoclonal antibody-based assays

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) detecting distinct B-cell epitopes on p24 core viral protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were employed to develop immunoassays to measure p24 concentration in culture and serum samples, to localize p24 in FIV-infected cells and tissues, and to detect anti-p24 antibodies in cat sera. In its optimized configuration the p24 capture assay detected as little as 0.25 ng/ml of protein. The assay was found at least as sensitive as the reverse transcriptase activity assay in FIV-infected lymphocyte cultures and proved capable of detecting p24 antigen in acid pretreated sera from a high proportion of FIV-infected cats. The mAbs were also successfully used to detect the p24 antigen in permeated FIV-infected cells by flow cytometry and in tissue sections from FIV-infected cats by immunohistochemical staining. Anti-p24 antibodies in FIV-infected cat sera were assayed by a competitive capture ELISA which readily identified occasional false positive results provided by a standard ELISA using purified whole FIV-coated wells.

Identification of a linear neutralization site within the third variable region of the feline immunodeficiency virus envelope

Synthetic peptides have been used to map linear B-cell epitopes of the third variable (V3) region of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) external membrane glycoprotein gp120. The analysis of sera from naturally and experimentally FIV-infected cats by Pepscan and enzyme immunoassay with four partially overlapping peptides evidenced three antibody-binding domains, two of which mapped in the carboxyl-terminal half of V3. In particular, the V3.3 sequence (Gly-392-Phe-413) turned out to be important for in vitro neutralization of the virus in that the peptide inhibited the FIV-neutralizing activity of pooled immune cat sera, and on the other hand, cat sera raised against this peptide effectively neutralized FIV infectivity for Crandell feline kidney cells.

Detection of B epitopes on the p24 gag protein of feline immunodeficiency virus by monoclonal antibodies

Seven monoclonal antibodies were obtained after immunization of mice with purified sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-disrupted feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Six antibodies specifically bound antigens in the cytoplasm of FIV-infected cells as determined by indirect immunofluorescence and reacted with FIV p24 gag gene product in immunoblots. One reacted positively with virus-infected cells, but failed to recognize FIV structural proteins by immunoblotting. Using competition binding studies, the anti-p24 monoclonals were shown to detect four distinct B-cell epitopes. Competition with sera of FIV-infected cats showed that such epitopes are immunogenic also in the natural host species.

In vitro immune recognition of synthetic peptides from the Plasmodium falciparum CS protein by individuals naturally exposed to different sporozoite challenge

The impact of duration and intensity of sporozoite challenge on the in vitro cell immune response to synthetic peptides of the circumsporozoite (CS) protein of Plasmodium falciparum was investigated in residents of a malaria endemic area in Burkina Faso (West Africa). Lymphocyte proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production were used to assess immune recognition of synthetic peptides corresponding to the polymorphic Th2R and Th3R regions, to the conserved CS.T3 sequence and to NANP and degenerate NVDP repeats. Immune responses were measured in adults and children from a village where they received more than 100 sporozoite inoculations per year and in adults living in a town, exposed to a 10-100 times lower challenge. A lifetime intense exposure apparently increased the ability to proliferate in response to most peptides in the rural adults, who all produced antibodies to NANP repeats. Surprisingly, cell cultures from these subjects seldom contained appreciable levels of IFN-gamma. In the urban adults, possibly due to the moderate challenge they are exposed to, significant differences in the proliferative potentials of the peptides could be detected. The highest stimulation indices were obtained with the genetically unrestricted CS.T3 peptide. Remarkably, proliferative responses to Th2R and Th3R appeared to be correlated with the humoral response to the CS protein, indicating a T helper significance of the epitopes. The differing proliferative potential of the polymorphic epitopes in the urban adults suggests that polymorphism might delay the development of immune responsiveness under conditions of sporadic transmission. The children from the highly malarious village displayed the lowest proliferative scores, accompanied by a high prevalence of antibodies to NANP repeats. On the basis of these findings, the hypothesis is proposed that a pure B cell reactivity to NANP repeats could ontogenetically precede the mounting of a conventional T-B cooperative immune response.

Indices of sustained aerobic power in young middle distance runners

Sixteen young endurance athletes underwent physiological testing to determine their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold (lacAT), ventilatory threshold, and the slope variation point (SVP) of the linear relationship between running speed (RS) and heart rate (HR) both on the treadmill and during a field test, and the onset of blood lactate accumulation point. The RS, HR, VO2, and blood lactate concentration at which the different thresholds occurred were highly correlated, with r ranging from 0.82 to 0.90. The highest correlation was shown by RS at lacAT and RS at SVP during the field test. Various indices of sustained aerobic power in athletic children examined were shown to occur at a percentage of their VO2max similar to adult endurance runners. The tests developed for older athletes can be used in this age group as well.

Waiting for the vaccine: sporozoite vaccine research entails important progress in malaria epidemiology

The research efforts aimed at developing a vaccine against malaria, although failing thus far in their main objective, have produced molecular tools of great utility for epidemiological studies. For example, monoclonal antibodies directed against the repeats of Plasmodium circumsporozoite (CS) protein allowed the 2-site assay for detecting sporozoites in mosquitoes to be established. This immunoassay is advantageous compared with the conventional method of salivary gland dissection and microscopic examination, for it makes the identification of the sporozoite species possible, thanks to species-specific aminoacid sequences of the CS repeats. Other examples of vaccine research-derived tools are synthetic peptides reproducing the repetitive part of the CS protein, which allow antibodies to sporozoites, in individuals exposed to malaria, to be detected. Antibodies to the CS repeats of Plasmodium (Laverania) falciparum proved to be a reliable indicator of the intensity of malaria transmission and, therefore, were suitable for monitoring the impact of malaria control programmes. Finally, a project is outlined that, relying on the application of these tools, will aim at characterizing the transmission of Plasmodium (Plasmodium) malariae and at unveiling the possible relationship among different species thriving in the same distribution area, an issue which may become of relevance in view of the likely introduction of a vaccine directed against a single species.

Intraerythrocytic administration of a synthetic Plasmodium antigen elicits antibody response in mice, without carrier molecules or adjuvants

The synthetic peptide (NANP)40, reproducing the tandem-repeated epitope of the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium (Laverania) falciparum, was entrapped into murine, autologous erythrocytes by a hypotonic dialysis method. Mice immunized intravenously with minute amounts of encapsulated peptide produced considerable antibody titres. This result indicates that intraerythrocytic antigen administration may have a potential as an immunization system for humans, since it dispenses with adjuvants and carrier molecules.

The in vitro adherence of murine eosinophils, neutrophils and non-induced and induced macrophages to infective larvae of Toxocara canis (Nematoda, Ascarididae)

Infective larvae of the parasite nematode Toxocara canis were incubated in vitro with murine eosinophils, neutrophils and non-induced and induced macrophages. The interactions between the different types of cells and the worms were observed in the presence or absence of immune mouse serum and/or complement. Cells showed considerable differences in the manner, duration and outcome of this interaction. Despite the adhesion of cells to the larvae of T. canis, there was no evidence of damage to the worms. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations suggest that the cells adhere to the cuticular surface via an electron-dense material. This material might play a protective role against the helmintotoxic capacity of the inflammatory cells.

Our experience in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts

The authors discuss the problems in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts; they emphasize the risk of complication. The authors discuss their personal experience in the treatment of 31 pancreatic pseudocysts using the different techniques, and the very good results they observed in their own series.

[Indications and surgical tactics in ulcerative rectocolitis. Our experience]

Surgical indications in URC are examined in relation to various situations of election, emergency and urgency. The various possible surgical procedures are analysed, stress being laid on criteria of choice which take account of the seriousness of the disease and of the different technical solutions now available. A series of 30 operations in 145 cases of URC is presented and complications examined in relation to the type of operation performed and to the indications. Stress is laid on the importance of intervening adequately so as to achieve the best prognostic results.

Evaluation of an ELISA kit for epidemiological detection of antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites in human sera and bloodspot eluates

Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites represent a serological transmission indicator, which can be applied in epidemiological studies to estimate the intensity of malaria transmission. An ELISA method has been developed as an industrial kit to detect these antibodies, using a chemically synthesized (NANP)40 peptide as antigen. The results obtained with this kit are compared in the present paper with those obtained by an ELISA test already applied in epidemiological studies. In testing sera from individuals living in endemic areas, a high diagnostic concordance (92.1%) was obtained between the two assays. The absorbances of these sera correlated well, as shown by a correlation coefficient r = 0.877. Sera from individuals never exposed to malaria gave very low absorbances with the kit. This minimum non-specific binding increases the probability of comparable results in different studies. When the two ELISAs were evaluated for analytical sensitivity and precision, similar satisfactory results were achieved. The test can be performed not only with sera but also with eluates from filterpaper bloodspots. Modifications of the kit to reduce its cost and suggestions regarding distribution and funding are also proposed.