DEFICIENCY OF SERUM BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY AGAINST SALMONELLA-TYPHIMURIUM IN SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (2) , 262-270
Abstract
Systemic salmonellosis is a recognized complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA). The bactericidal activity of serum against S. typhimurium was evaluated. When compared to controls, sera from 8 of 19 SCA patients were deficient in bactericidal function. Levels of factor B, hemolytic complement and agglutinating antibody were similar in SCA and control sera. Abnormalities that might theoretically account for the decreased antibacterial activity were observed in many SCA sera. These abnormal findings included: defective function of the alternative complement pathway (decreased bacterial killing in the presence of Mg EGTA [ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid]); low serum C3 [3rd component of complement] concentration and decreased total Fe-binding capacity (TIBC), with a resultant increase in percent saturation of iron-binding capacity. Of these deficiencies only the abnormal alternative pathway function was significantly associated with decreased serum bactericidal activity. A suggested function of serum bactericidal activity is prevention of bacteremia by susceptible organisms. Diminished serum bactericidal capacity may increase the risk of Salmonella bacteremia in some individuals with sickle cell disease.