SMOOTH-MUSCLE ANTIBODIES IN MYCOPLASMA-PNEUMONIAE INFECTION

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (2) , 287-291
Abstract
Paired sera from 45 cases of M. pneumoniae (MP) infection associated with acute lower respiratory tract illness were examined by immunofluorescence for antibodies to smooth muscle (SMA). Twenty-five (56%) of these cases had SMA of IgM [immunoglobulin M] class. A significant (.gtoreq. 4-fold) increase in titer of these antibodies was demonstrated in 15 of 35 patients with a significant rise in titer of MP antibodies. SMA of IgG class occurred in 11 of 45 cases (24%), but a 4-fold rise in antibody titer was found only in 2 cases. Of 45 sera, 3 (7%) from healthy donors contained SMA of IgM class and 8 sera (18%) SMA of IgG class. MP antigen did not absorb SMA. Liver tests were performed in 29 patients. In 18 patients, SGPT [serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase] values were moderately or slightly elevated. There was no correlation between the occurrence of increased levels of transaminases and the presence of SMA in serum. In a patient with active chronic hepatitis who had had a high titer of SMA exclusively of IgG class for 2 yr, SMA of IgM class appeared transiently in association with an acute respiratory illness due to MP.