Humoral immunity in pediatric Kalaazar patients in India

Abstract

The study included 20 patients of Kalaazar in children and 20 healthy children of same age group. Mostly patients were males (75%) and in age group of 3 to 10 years. Humoral immunity was assessed by total serum protein, immunoglobulin estimation and circulating immune complexes. Significant hyperproteinemia was found in patient group as compared to control (p<.001). Ninety percent children had increased IgG above 1600 mg/dl (Mean 2392 ± 715.11 mg/dl). Similarly serum IgM and IgA were also significantly raised in comparison to controls (IgA 178 ± 74 59 mg/dl IgM 194.5 ± 89.8 mg/dl). Except one patient almost all had significant increase in circulating immune complexes (79 78 ± 22.55%). None of the patients had glomerulonephritis, vasculitis or arthritis.