Immune Complexes in Serum and in Cerebrospinal Fluid in African Trypanosomiasis

Abstract

A B S T R A C T The possible occurrence of immune complexes (IC) in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been studied in 36 patients with African trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma brucei gambiense). In serum, very high levels of IC were detectable by the '25I-Clq-binding and by the conglutinin-binding assays with positive results in 94 and 87%, respectively, of untreated patients. Circulating IC were found in both early and late stages of the disease, without significant quantitative differences; their size was 15-25S. There was a significant negative correlation between C3 values and ClqBA. Our studies suggest that circulating IC occurring during trypanosomiasis may be the expression of a polyclonal B cell activation. Indeed, there was a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the levels of circulating IC and either the levels of IgM (mean value 12.5±+7.2 mg/ml) or with the levels of rheumatoid factor-like antiimmunoglobulin antibodies that were detected by solid phase radioimmunoassay in 74% of the patients.IC were detected in 31 of 35 CSF samples, with a marked elevation in patients with definite involvement of the central nervous system as compared with earlier stages of sleeping sickness. The occurrence of IC in CSF was not related to an impairment of the blood-brain barrier as shown by analysis of CSF/serum albumin ratios.

Trypanosomiasis in a dog imported in the Netherlands

“…In the literature available to the present authors no case has been reported. Hypoplasia of the pulmonary trunk without a ventricular septal defect is well known in man (2,5,8) as well as in animals (1, 4,6,7). This is a report of such an anomaly in a goat lamb.…”

“…A very severe trypanosoma infection, like the case here reported, can suppress the cellular immune response. However, with the disappearance of the infection the reticulo-endothelial system should again be able to react (6). Renewed exposure with the antigen for which sensitization has taken place, can cause a hypersensitivity reaction (12).…”

Comparison of Major Immunoglobulins Intrathecal Synthesis Patterns in Ecuadorian and Cuban Patients with Angiostrongyliasis

“…[29][30][31] IgM and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in CSF are typical components of the neuroinflammatory response in patients with the brain stage of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection. 32 The intrathecal synthesis patterns in Cuban adults do not vary compared with children, and it is a typical immune response that supports the diagnosis. IgG is always present in such patterns.…”

Pathological expression of idiotypic interactions: Immune complexes and cryoglobulins

“…First evidence for the occurrence of this type of immune complex came from studies on human African trypanosomiasis [16]. In these patients, a close correlation was found between the level of circulating immune complexes and the level of rheumatoid factor-like antibodies, suggesting an involvement of these antibodies in the formation of immune complexes.…”