[Blood serum glycoproteins in diphtheria in adults]

Bacterial carriers and diphtheria patients were examined for blood concentration of total glycoproteins measured by protein-bound hexoses and of fuco- and sialoglycoproteins. Marked changes were registered in glycoprotein serum spectrum in bacterial carriers and intoxication-specific changes in diphtheria patients. These changes were induced by active mesenchymal response of the liver. The role of glycoproteins in diphtheria pathogenesis is discussed.