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IgG2 deficiency in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections after esophageal surgery
T Saito1, T Kinoshita, Y Shigemitsu
1First Department of Surgery, Oita Medical University, Japan.
Abstract:
We previously reported the selective development of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections following esophageal surgery in patients with a reduced ability to produce anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) IgG. Since the response to the PPS vaccine is correlated to the serum IgG2 levels, we measured IgG2 in the same series of esophageal cancer patients. IgG subclasses were determined in 21 patients, 8 of whom developed MRSA infections. IgG2 was thus found to be significantly lower (P < 0.01) in patients with MRSA infections (453 mg/dl) than in those without such infections (666 mg/dl). There was also a significantly positive correlation (r = 0.61) between anti-PPS IgG and serum IgG2. Therefore, the preoperative measurement of serum IgG2 is considered to be useful in detecting patients who are at risk for developing an MRSA infection after esophageal surgery.
Insights
Lower serum IgG2 levels are linked to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections after esophageal surgery. Preoperative IgG2 measurement can identify patients at higher risk for MRSA infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections pose a risk after esophageal surgery.
- Previous work linked MRSA development to reduced anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) IgG production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between serum IgG2 levels and MRSA infection development in esophageal cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum IgG subclasses, specifically IgG2, were measured in 21 esophageal cancer patients.
- Patients were categorized based on the development of MRSA infections post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Patients who developed MRSA infections had significantly lower serum IgG2 levels (453 mg/dl) compared to those without infections (666 mg/dl).
- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.61) was observed between anti-PPS IgG and serum IgG2 levels.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative serum IgG2 measurement is a valuable tool for identifying patients at risk of MRSA infection after esophageal surgery.
- Low IgG2 levels may indicate a compromised immune response, increasing susceptibility to MRSA.