192 sera containing cold agglutinins of apparent anti-I specificity were reinvestigated for concomitant
cold agglutinins (CA) against sialic acid-dependent antigens. 35 cases of additional anti-Fl and 3 cases of additional
anti-Gd were detected. 53% of cases with coexisting anti-I and anti-Fl/Gd CA had a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia,
in 39% IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae could be demonstrated. Since FI and Gd antigens are
identical with the structures identified as receptors for M. pneumoniae, the findings support the hypothesis that
postinfectious CA are directed against the receptor of the infectious agent.
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