Lymphocyte dysfunction in injured adults with elevated Candida antigen titers

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Lymphocytes are crucial for activating polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) antimicrobial functions.
• This study investigates lymphocyte-mediated activation of PMN anticandidal activity in severely injured adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anticandidal function of normal PMNs activated by lymphocytes from severely injured adults with elevated Candida antigen titers.
• To identify potential lymphocyte dysfunction in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Lymphocytes were isolated from injured adults with elevated Candida antigen titers (titer+) and incubated with Candida albicans.
• Supernatants were tested for their ability to activate normal PMN anticandidal function.
• Lymphocytes from healthy volunteers and injury-matched patients with negative Candida titers (titer-) served as controls.

Main Results:

• Patients with titer+ had a higher incidence of bacterial infections compared to titer- patients.
• Lymphocytes from volunteers and titer- patients released significant PMN-activating factors when exposed to C. albicans.
• Lymphocytes from titer+ patients demonstrated defective release of these PMN-activating factors.

Conclusions:

• Elevated Candida antigen titers in severely injured adults are associated with lymphocyte dysfunction.
• This immune dysfunction may contribute to the higher incidence of bacterial infections observed in these patients.
• Culture evidence of Candida was infrequent, suggesting antigen titers may indicate a broader immune response issue.