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Serological response to Campylobacter jejuni/coli infection
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 1, 1980
Summary
This study examined antibody responses in Campylobacter infections. Complement-fixing (CF) antibodies proved more reliable than agglutinins for diagnosing infections, appearing 7-10 days post-symptom onset.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni/coli are common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Understanding the host immune response is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Outbreaks, such as milk-borne infections, highlight the need for effective diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibody response in patients with Campylobacter jejuni/coli infections.
- To compare the diagnostic utility of agglutinins and complement-fixing (CF) antibodies.
- To determine the temporal appearance of antibodies following infection.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 59 patients with milk-borne and sporadic Campylobacter infections were analyzed.
- Agglutinin and complement-fixing (CF) antibody levels were measured.
- Strain specificity of antibody responses was assessed using different antigens.
Main Results:
- Nearly all infected patients exhibited agglutinins and CF antibodies.
- CF antibodies were more specific to Campylobacter infection than agglutinins, with significantly lower prevalence in healthy individuals.
- Antibodies were detectable 7–10 days after symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- Complement-fixing (CF) antibody detection is a valuable diagnostic method for Campylobacter infections.
- The CF test, using sonicated organisms, offers better strain-unspecific detection compared to agglutination tests.
- Antibody response kinetics provide a timeframe for diagnostic testing post-infection.