[Immunological study of cerebrospinal fluid using a human IgM antiserum produced in Cuba. A preliminary evaluation]

The immunological study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with neurological diseases. The quantitative determination of the albumen and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood serum and in CSF by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID), together with the calculation of the IgG index to evaluate the presence of intrathecal synthesis of IgG and of the albumen quotient in order to evaluate the state of functioning of the blood brain barrier are essential elements to be evaluated for diagnosis and research in neurological clinical practice, as well as in the follow up of certain neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Specific antiserums from commercial firms such as Boehring, SIGMA, etc. are used for the quantitative determination of IgG and albumen both in blood serum and in CSF by SRID. The high cost and the difficulty in acquiring these immunodiagnostic kits have had an important effect on the diagnostic and research opportunities throughout the country.

In this work we present the preliminary findings of the evaluation of the human IgG antiserum obtained from a ram, by Labex laboratories, for the quantitative determination of IgG in CSF by SRID, in order to find out whether this antiserum is efficient in the quantitative determination of IgG in CSF.

The studies conducted so far show that this antiserum may be a good candidate for use in immunological studies of CSF. Further work needs to be carried out on its validation in order to resolve the problems involved in immunological studies of CSF that we highlighted above. This would be achieved with an antiserum that is cheaper than those used up to now.