Haematological and immunological responses to the tapeworm hymenolepis diminuta in man.

Self-infections with the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta were carried out to study the haematological and immunological responses in man. Infection caused pronounced eosinophilia, an increase in plasma viscosity and the production of parasite-specific IgG and IgM. Circulating IgE was not detected. There were no significant changes in erythrocyte values or serum transaminases.