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The immune system response to Campylobacter infection
A Melamed1, V Zakuth, D Schwartz
1Department of Pediatrics, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Rokach Hospital, Israel.
Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Campylobacter infections in children are usually self-limiting due to a normal immune response. However, compromised immune systems can lead to prolonged and complicated Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni (CBJ) infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Campylobacter is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in children.
- It may disproportionately affect immunocompromised children and facilitate other pathogen colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune system response in children with Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni (CBJ) infections.
- To understand the role of immune status in the clinical course of CBJ infections.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG) concentrations.
- Assessed specific antibodies to CBJ using ELISA.
- Evaluated lymphocyte response to mitogens (Con A, PWM, PHA) and CBJ antigen.
- Studied T-cell subsets and chemotaxis to various stimulants.
Main Results:
- Most children had normal immunoglobulin levels; exceptions were those with agammaglobulinemia or hypoagammaglobulinemia.
- Specific antibody levels were elevated in the CBJ group, except in agammaglobulinemic patients.
- Lymphocyte response to mitogens and T-cell subsets were normal, but blastogenic transformation to CBJ antigen and chemotaxis were decreased.
Conclusions:
- Normal immune responses typically lead to self-limiting CBJ infections in children.
- Disturbances in the immune system can result in prolonged and complicated CBJ infections.