Multiple choice

An increased total IgE level indicates that it is likely that a person has one or more allergies. High IgE levels are found in infections with which of the following protozoans?

  1. Trypanosoma cruzi

  2. Trypanosoma rhodesiense

  3. Plasmodium falciparum

  4. Trichinella spiralis

  5. Leishmania tropica

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Parasites like Trichinella frequently increase the IgE levels, usually polyclonally. This tends to inhibit the protective effect of IgE by diluting out the specific IgE on the mast cell. Inflammation induced by mast cell degranulation leads to influx of IgG which causes damage to the parasite.