Candida-Reacting Antibody in the Serum of Patients with Lymphomas and Related Disorders

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Abstract
1. The quantity and characteristics of antibody reacting with Candida albicans was determined in normal subjects and in patients with lymphomas and leukemias by the immune-adherence technic. 2. Little antibody to Candida albicans is present in infants during the first few months of neonatal life; a progressive increase in antibody occurs during adolescence, and antibody is present in high titer in the serum of normal adults. 3. No significant decrease in antibody titer was found in the sera of patients with advanced leukemia or lymphoma, most of whom had had extensive specific therapy. 4. This antibody was characterized by lack of cross absorption with rice starch polysaccharide, complete absorption with Candida albicans and by increased serum reactivity following active antigenic stimulation in rabbits. 5. It is apparent from this study that production of the "natural antibody" of this type is maintained despite the progression of neoplastic disease and the use of antineoplastic agents. 6. It is probable that alteration of tissue defense mechanisms rather than humoral antibody account for the increased incidence of disseminated monilial infections in patients with lymphomas and leukemias.

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