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Exposure to Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii--a seroepidemiological study
R A Seaton1, A J Hamilton, R J Hay
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|September 1, 1996
Summary
This study found higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels to Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in Papua New Guinea patients and adults. These findings suggest varying exposure risks within the population.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii causes meningitis, particularly in tropical regions.
- Understanding antibody prevalence is crucial for assessing exposure and disease risk.
- Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a notable burden of C. neoformans infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies.
- To investigate the prevalence of IgG antibodies to non-capsular C. neoformans var. gattii antigen.
- To compare antibody levels in patients with meningitis, healthy controls in PNG, and UK controls.
Main Methods:
- Development of a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Sera collection from patients with C. neoformans var. gattii meningitis, healthy Papua New Guineans, and UK controls.
- Quantification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels against non-capsular C. neoformans var. gattii antigen.
Main Results:
- Elevated IgG levels were observed in patients with acute meningitis, decreasing post-treatment.
- Convalescent patients and PNG controls showed significantly higher IgG levels than UK controls.
- Among PNG controls, adults had higher IgG levels than children, and men higher than women.
Conclusions:
- IgG antibody responses in PNG controls correlate with disease prevalence, indicating significant exposure.
- Behavioral factors may influence C. neoformans var. gattii exposure, potentially explaining lower levels in children and women.
- Exposure to C. neoformans var. gattii may occur predominantly outside the home environment.