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Naturally occurring antibodies against Mycobacterium avium complex
1Kuzell Institute for Arthritis & Infectious Diseases, Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94115.
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|November 1, 1989
Summary
This study investigated antibodies against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in healthy individuals and AIDS patients. Most non-AIDS individuals showed IgG and IgM antibodies, while AIDS patients had lower prevalence, indicating altered immune responses to MAC antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is an opportunistic pathogen, particularly relevant in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding the immune response, specifically antibody production, to MAC antigens is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Previous studies have explored MAC infections, but detailed characterization of antibody profiles in diverse populations is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against MAC surface proteins in healthy individuals and patients with AIDS.
- To identify specific MAC antigens that elicit antibody production in both non-AIDS and AIDS populations.
- To compare antibody reactivity patterns between non-AIDS and AIDS individuals against MAC antigens.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from healthy individuals, general hospital patients, and patients with AIDS and disseminated MAC infection were analyzed.
- Immunodot assay was employed to detect serum positivity against MAC antigens.
- Western Blot technique was utilized to identify specific MAC antigens recognized by IgG and IgM antibodies.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of IgG (89%) and IgM (81%) antibodies against MAC antigens was observed in the non-AIDS population.
- In contrast, lower prevalence of IgG (43%) and IgM (71%) antibodies was found in the AIDS population.
- Both IgG and IgM antibodies recognized multiple MAC antigens (10-95 kDa); IgM primarily targeted 10 and 31 kDa proteins, while IgG targeted 10, 31, and 65 kDa proteins. Notably, AIDS patients showed reduced reactivity against certain antigens (e.g., 10 kDa for IgM, 31 kDa for IgG).
Conclusions:
- Naturally occurring antibodies against MAC antigens are prevalent in the general population.
- The immune response, as indicated by antibody levels and reactivity, is significantly altered in individuals with AIDS and MAC infection.
- Specific MAC antigens (10, 31, and 65 kDa) are key targets for antibody recognition, with distinct patterns for IgM and IgG, and variations observed in AIDS patients.