Table 3. Memory B cell (MBC) expressed as the mean number of Schistosoma haematobium-specific SFC to soluble egg antigen (SEA) or soluble worm antigen protein (SWAP) compared to total IgG SFC measured in children with (SP) or without (SN) S. haematobium infection and stratified by age group and season (i.e., malaria transmission and dry season).
| Schistosoma Antigen | Age (years) | Group | MBC Transmission | MBC Dry | P value a |
| SWAP | 4–14 | SP | 0.017 b | 0.021 b | 0.58 |
| SN | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.68 | ||
| 4–8 | SP | 0.019 | 0.019 b | 0.94 | |
| SN | 0.003 | 0.003 | 0.98 | ||
| 9–14 | SP | 0.014 b | 0.022 b | 0.03 | |
| SN | 0.007 | 0.006 | 0.62 | ||
| SEA | 4–14 | SP | 0.034 b | 0.047 b | 0.05 |
| SN | 0.006 | 0.012 | 0.11 | ||
| 4–8 | SP | 0.024 b | 0.037 b | 0.04 | |
| SN | 0.005 | 0.015 c | 0.18 | ||
| 9–14 | SP | 0.041 b | 0.055 b | 0.26 | |
| SN | 0.005 | 0.009 | 0.44 |
a
Statistical analysis performed between transmission and dry season values using the paired two-tailed ttest. P value deemed statistically significant ≤0.05.
b
Statistical significance measured between SP and SN values using the Mann Whitney test for values not normally distributed (P value ≤0.05).
c
Three of fifteen SN children had a positive response (ASC >0.01) to SEA. One child was subsequently determined to have acquired a S. haematobium infection in the interim since screening. All other responders to SWAP or SEA had repeatedly negative urine analyses for egg excretion.
ASC ratios of >0.01 were defined as positive specific MBC responses. Mean age-stratified group values >0.01 are depicted in bold font.