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Circulating immune complexes and complement in bancroftian filariasis
G Nath1, T M Mohapatra, P C Sen
1Department of Microbiology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
Insights
Circulating Immune Complexes (CICs) were elevated in filariasis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia (TPE). Low complement C3 levels suggest immune complexes consume complement in filarial infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Filarial diseases are significant global health concerns.
- Immune complexes and complement activation play roles in parasitic infections.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of Circulating Immune Complexes (CICs).
- To assess Complement Component C3 levels in filarial cases.
- To explore the relationship between CICs, C3 levels, and filarial disease.
Main Methods:
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) precipitation was used to detect CICs.
- PEG precipitation-Complement Consumption assay was employed for CICs.
- Single radial immunodiffusion quantified Complement Component C3 levels.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated CICs were observed in chronic lymphatic filariasis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia (TPE).
- Both PEG precipitation methods yielded comparable results for CIC detection.
- Lower C3 levels were found in chronic lymphatic filariasis patients, indicating complement consumption.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CICs are characteristic of chronic lymphatic filariasis and TPE.
- Complement C3 is likely utilized by immune complexes in filarial infections.
- These findings support the role of immune complex-mediated inflammation in filariasis.
Abstract:
Sixty filarial cases, 30 endemic normal individuals and 10 non endemic subjects were investigated for the presence of Circulating Immune Complexes (CICs) and Complement Component C3. Using Polyethylene Glycol precipitation and Polyethylene Glycol precipitation-Complement Consumption methods, it was observed that CICs were raised significantly in chronic lymphatic filariasis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia (TPE) groups. The results observed by both the techniques for detection of CICs were comparable. Low levels of C3 were detected in chronic lymphatic filariasis cases by single radial immunodiffusion method, suggesting the utilization of complement by immune complexes.