Antibodies to TRIC Agents in Tears and Serum of Naturally Infected Humans

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Abstract
Antibodies to six trachoina-inclusion conjunctivitis (TRIC) antigens were measured by indirect immunofluorescence in matched specimens of serum and tears from individuals with chronic trachoma. Antibodies (to TRIC antigens type A and/or C) were present in the serum of 78% of Tunisian children, six to eight years old, with severe trachoma and in the tears of 59%. In contrast, antibodies (to TRIC antigens type B, D, and E) were found in the serum and tears of only 6% of Navajo children of similar age with mild trachoma. Among Navajo students 13–20 years old with mild trachoma, 48% had antibodies (to antigens B, D, and E) in serum, but antibodies in tears were very rare. These were usually of lower titer than those in serum, were directed at the same TRIC antigenic types, and paralleled the severity of clinical activity in TRIC infections. The role of lachrymal antibodies in resistance to TRIC infection is not apparent.

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