Abstract |
Levels of antibodies to the capsular polysaccharides of groups A and C Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type b were determined by radioimmunoassay in acute- and convalescent-phase sera of 377 patients with meningitis, septicemia, or epiglottitis. Diagnostic criteria, based on a fourfold or greater rise in antibody level and/or a high specific antibody level, correctly identified 85% of group A meningococcal diseases, 90% of group C meningococcal diseases, and 78% of H. influenzae type b diseases in children older than but only 15% in infants younger than 1.5 years of age. When levels of antibody in acute-phase sera were high, they were predominantly of the IgA class. A greater than fourfold rise in levels of antibodies to group A meningococcus was seen in 10%-32% of persons with disease caused by other bacteria, but minimal false-positive reactions occurred with group C meningococcus or H. influenzae type b.
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Authors | H Käyhty, H Jousimies-Somer, H Peltola, P H Mäketä |
Journal | The Journal of infectious diseases
(J Infect Dis)
Vol. 143
Issue 1
Pg. 32-41
(Jan 1981)
ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States |
PMID | 6783703
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Bacterial
- Immunoglobulins
- Polysaccharides, Bacterial
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Antibodies, Bacterial
(analysis)
- Child, Preschool
- Haemophilus influenzae
(immunology)
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins
(analysis)
- Infant
- Laryngitis
(immunology)
- Meningitis, Haemophilus
(immunology)
- Neisseria meningitidis
(immunology)
- Polysaccharides, Bacterial
(immunology)
- Sepsis
(immunology)
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