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Aspergillus antibody in patients with cystic fibrosis
Abstract:
The respiratory flora of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently includes Aspergillus, and 30% of their serum samples have been observed to contain precipitating antibody to this fungus. Serum from 61 CF patients, 60 healthy persons, and three patients with CF and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was studied, using a quantitative assay for antibody to A fumigatus. Although CF patients had significantly higher levels of Aspergillus antibody, some antibody was found in all serum samples from normal individuals. Binding was immunologically specific for A fumigatus. Serum IgE levels and dermal reactivity to Aspergillus were similar in both CF and normal subjects. Increased levels of Aspergillus antibody in CF patients probably reflect pulmonary colonization, which only rarely causes infection or sensitization.
Insights
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) show higher Aspergillus antibody levels, likely due to lung colonization rather than infection. This finding is crucial for understanding fungal presence in CF respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- * Aspergillus is common in the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
- * A significant percentage of CF patients have antibodies against Aspergillus.
- * Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a known complication in some CF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To quantitatively assess antibody levels to Aspergillus fumigatus in CF patients compared to healthy individuals.
- * To investigate the specificity of the immune response to A. fumigatus.
- * To correlate antibody levels with IgE and dermal reactivity.
Main Methods:
- * Quantitative immunoassay used to measure antibodies to A. fumigatus in serum.
- * Sera from 61 CF patients, 60 healthy controls, and 3 CF patients with ABPA were analyzed.
- * Serum IgE levels and dermal reactivity to Aspergillus were also assessed.
Main Results:
- * CF patients exhibited significantly higher levels of antibodies to A. fumigatus compared to healthy individuals.
- * Antibodies to A. fumigatus were detected in all serum samples, including those from normal subjects.
- * Immune binding was specific for A. fumigatus.
- * Serum IgE levels and dermal reactivity were comparable between CF and normal subjects.
Conclusions:
- * Elevated Aspergillus antibody levels in CF patients likely indicate pulmonary colonization.
- * The presence of antibodies does not necessarily imply active infection or sensitization (ABPA) in most CF patients.
- * Further research may clarify the clinical significance of Aspergillus colonization in CF.