Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Humoral immune responses in a human case of glanders
David M Waag1, Marilyn J England, David DeShazer
1Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, Maryland, USA. david.waag@amedd.army.mil
Abstract:
Within 2 months of acquiring glanders, a patient developed 8-, 16-, and 4-fold increases, respectively, in specific IgA, IgG, and IgM serological titers against Burkholderia mallei. Within 14 months of infection, the titers decreased to the baseline. Serum from this patient was also highly reactive against Burkholderia pseudomallei whole cells. Burkholderia mallei whole cells did not react with sera from patients with other diseases. Therefore, an assay using a B. mallei cellular diagnostic antigen may be useful for the serodiagnosis of glanders.
Insights
Glanders diagnosis can be improved using a Burkholderia mallei cellular antigen assay. This method detects specific IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies in patients, aiding in early and accurate glanders identification.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Glanders is a serious infectious disease caused by Burkholderia mallei.
- Serological tests are crucial for diagnosing glanders, but sensitive and specific diagnostic tools are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of Burkholderia mallei cellular antigens for serodiagnosis of glanders.
- To assess the specificity of the immune response against Burkholderia mallei.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a glanders patient was analyzed.
- Serological titers (IgA, IgG, IgM) against Burkholderia mallei were measured over time.
- Serum reactivity against Burkholderia pseudomallei and sera from patients with other diseases was tested.
Main Results:
- The patient showed significant increases in specific IgA, IgG, and IgM titers against Burkholderia mallei within 2 months of infection.
- These titers returned to baseline within 14 months.
- Patient serum was reactive against Burkholderia pseudomallei but not against antigens from other diseases.
Conclusions:
- A diagnostic assay utilizing Burkholderia mallei cellular antigens shows promise for the serodiagnosis of glanders.
- The specificity of the immune response suggests the utility of B. mallei antigens in differentiating glanders from other infections.
