ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Immunoglobulin-containing cells
;
Cerebrospinal fluid
;
Immunocytochemistry
;
Inflammatory diseases
;
HIV-encephalitis
;
Multiple sclerosis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary An immunocytochemical technique allowing repeated use of antisera is applied to identify immunoglobulin-containing cells (ICC) of the IgG, IgA, and IgM class in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 298 patients with various neurological disorders. The demonstration of ICC in the CSF is highly indicative of an inflammatory disease (p〈0.0001; Chi-square test). In the group of noninflammatory disorders ICC are only found in three cases of lymphomas, two dysgerminomas, and one glioblastoma. ICC of all classes are seen in acute viral and bacterial infections of the CNS including tick-borne meningopolyneuritis Bannwarth. IgG-positive ICC predominate in chronic inflammatory disorders like multiple sclerosis and HIV encephalitis. In HIV-positive patients IgA-or IgM-positive cells are strongly indicative of an opportunistic infection of the brain. Persistent high levels of ICC in three patients with bacterial meningitis are associated with a fatal outcome.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01648883
