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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Serum IgG subclasses levels in paediatric patients with pneumonia
L R Mazengera1, K J Nathoo, S Rusakaniko
1Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Children with pneumonia frequently show high levels of Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and Immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) subclasses, particularly those who are also positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Pneumonia is a leading cause of childhood mortality globally.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass deficiencies can impair immune responses to infections.
- Understanding IgG subclass profiles in paediatric pneumonia may reveal underlying immune dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of IgG subclasses in children with pneumonia admitted to Harare Central Hospital.
- To explore the association between IgG subclass levels and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status in these patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 56 paediatric patients.
- IgG subclass profiles were analyzed in children with pneumonia.
- Patients' HIV antibody status was determined.
Main Results:
- 71% of the children tested were positive for HIV antibodies.
- Significantly elevated levels of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses were observed in HIV antibody-positive children compared to HIV-negative children (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively).
- No significant association was found between IgG subclass levels and HIV p24 antigen presence, age, or gender.
Conclusions:
- Children with pneumonia frequently exhibit high IgG1 and IgG3 subclass levels.
- These elevated IgG1 and IgG3 levels are associated with the presence of HIV antibodies in paediatric patients.
- IgG2 and IgG4 subclass levels did not show a similar association.
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