Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in the Course of Bacterial Meningitis in Children

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Abstract
Serum levels of 5 immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE) were determined at frequent intervals in the course of bacterial meningitis in children. Of 59 patients examined, 27 had Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, 23 had meningococcal and 9 had pneumococcal meningitis. All 5 Ig increased during the 2 wk course of bacterial meningitis. IgM was the class responding most rapidly, regularly and intensively. IgG increased moderately. Practically no rise of the IgG level was observed in children with H. influenzae meningitis. The elevation of the IgA and IgE levels possibly suggests that meningitis may also cause synthesis of IgA and IgE antibodies. Antibodies of all the 5 classes are probably involved in the defense against the causative microbes in bacterial meningitis.