title: Serological study of Pneumocystis carinii infection in the absence of immunosuppression.
abstract: Serum samples from 145 children with no known immunosuppressive illness were examined by indirect immunofluorescence for antibody to Pneumocystis carinii. Positive antibody titres (greater than or equal to 1:8 dilution) were found in 69 children (48%). Antibody could not be detected in the remaining children. Previous studies have shown that at least 75% of children have antibodies to P. carinii by the age of 4 years. This study shows a lower percentage of children with detectable antibody. This may be related to geographical variation of antigen or possibly to the widespread use of co-trimoxazole.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies