Clinical, Immunochemical and Serological Studies of Dementia Paralytica (GPI)

Abstract

Sera and cerebrospinal fluids from 32 patients (25 males and 7 females) suffering from dementia paralytica, were assayed for seroreactivity by standard immunological tests, including the Wassermann reaction, Kahn’s and Meinicke’s reactions, as well as the Treponema pallidum immobilization test. The data obtained were compared to the albumin and IgG content of serum and spinal fluid, assayed by the quantitative radial immunodiffusion. The data obtained were also compared to erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the number of leucocytes in the blood and spinal fluid specimens. Compared to normal adults, no change occurred in serum IgG and albumin content of patients with neurosyphilis. The albumin and IgG leves were, however, increased in the spinal fluid. This increase showed a statistical significant correlation to the total number of leucocytes in serum. The IgG level of the spinal fluid was not correlated to the sero-reactions or the results of the TPI test of the spinal fluid. On the other hand, a mutual correlation was found between the results of the individual serotests of the spinal fluid. The results obtained were discussed on a basis of the literature available.

Neurosyphilis.

“…Correlation between the results of the CSF FTA-ABS test and the CSF IgG level has been reported (Heitmann, 1972). As well as increased CSF IgG levels in cases of general paresis, higher CSF concentration of albumin was noticed, suggesting changes in the blood-CSF barrier (Schmidt et al, 1971). In the CSF immunoelectropherograms of patients with syphilis studied by Norredam and Clausen (1963) the presence of proteins of larger molecular weight than 200 000 and anodal elongation in the IgG precipitate were observed.…”