Reactivity of Human Immunoglobulins in Amebiasis

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Abstract
Summary: Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) were separated from sera of two patients with symptomatic infections of Entamoeba histolytica. The techniques used were Sephadex G 200 and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. The relative purity of fractions was assayed by the Ouchterlony technique and immunoelectrophoresis against specific immunoglobulin antisera. Whole serum and fractions were analyzed by serodiagnostic methods and by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in the guinea pig and monkey. Absorption experiments were carried out to confirm the reactions. The IgG globulins were reactive in all the serodiagnostic tests for E. histolytica and in the guinea pig PCA test. The reaginic activity demonstrable by PCA in the monkey appeared to be heterogenous and was associated with an IgA fraction eluted from a Sephadex G 200 column and the IgG fraction eluted from a DEAE-cellulose column. While hypersensitivity in man associated with amebiasis has not, as yet, been demonstrated, a high proportion of amebic diagnostic sera gave positive PCA reactions in the guinea pig. The monkey appeared to be far less sensitive.