Dysproteinaemia in the differential diagnosis of kala-azar

Abstract

Serum protein abnormalities were examined in six kala-azar (KA) patients, six controls with positive immunofluorescence tests with Leishmania donovani antigens, and six seronegative controls. KA patients were clearly distinguishable from controls by several parameters, including A/G ratio, albumin and globulin levels, IgM and IgG titers, and positive rheumatoid factor (RF) tests. A positive relationship was noted between RF titers and serum levels of IgM. The diagnostic value and possibel pathologic significance of serum abnormalities in KA is discussed.<br>Foram examinadas alterações de proteínas séricas em seis pacientes com calazar (KA), em seis controles com testes positivos de imunofluorescência tendo como antígeno Leishmania donovani, e seis controles seronegativos. Pacientes com KA foram nitidamente distinguíveis dos grupos controles através de vários parâmetros, incluindo a relação A/G, níveis de albumina e globulinas, títulos séricos de IgM e IgG, assim como teste para fator reumatóide (FR) positivo. Uma relação direta foi observada entre os títulos de FR e os níveis séricos de IgM. O valor diagnóstico e o possível significado patológico dessas anormalidades séricas ocorrendo no KA são discutidos

Antiactin and antitubulin antibodies in canine visceral leishmaniasis

“…Specific antibodies are also present. The production of nonspecific immunoglobulin probably explains the occurrence of autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor (20) and autoantibodies against erythrocytes (18).…”

“…One is that both the antileishmania antibodies and the hypergammaglobulinemia are due to polyclonal activation of B cells (7). Such production of nonspecific immunoglobulin would account for the presence of autoantibodies, which, in fact, have been demonstrated in leishmaniasis (5,18,20).…”

“…Such antibodies may then cross-react with the actin and tubulin of the patient. Autoimmunization and other types of indirect damage to host cells as factors in the immunopathology of leishmaniasis have been reviewed by different authors (5,16,18,20,23).…”