Immunoglobulin levels, opsonic activity and phagocytic power in Egyptian thalassemic children

Serum IgG, IgM and IgA were determined in 25 patients with homozygous beta thalassemia and 7 with the trait. The levels were increased in homozygous patients and increased further after splenectomy. Serum opsonic activity against Salmonella typhi and staphylococci was impaired in homozygous patients. Splenectomy caused more impairment against salmonella only. Similarly, phagocytic power against both organisms was lower in beta thalassemia. Further decrease against salmonella occurred after splenectomy. Patients with thalassemia trait did not differ from normal controls.