| Summary: | Despite the existence of an effective medication against schistosomiasis, the disease remains a major health problem in affected areas, especially for those lacking appropriate sanitary facilities. Moreover, treatment cannot prevent re-infection since it is only effective on adult schistosome worms. Previous retrospective studies in the Sudan have discovered unique immuno-epidemiological profiles in uninfected individuals and those positive for <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) but egg-negative and those with eggs in their stool. Expanding on these data, serum samples from these individuals were further investigated for the presence of cercarial (<i>Sm</i>CTF)-specific antibodies, which would indicate immune responses at the early stages of infection. Indeed, <i>Sm</i>CTF IgG1, 2, 3 and 4 levels were significantly elevated in <i>Sm</i>PCR<sup>+</sup> individuals when compared to egg<sup>+</sup> patients. Following multivariable regression analysis, including <i>Sm</i>CTF-specific Igs, <i>Schistosoma</i> egg antigen (SEA)-specific and <i>Schistosoma</i> worm antigen (SWA)-specific immunoglobulins revealed a specific immunoglobulin (Ig) profile of individuals presenting different states of infection, which may be a useful future tool in order to identify egg<sup>−</sup> individuals and thereby prevent unnecessary treatments.
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