Disseminated cryptococcal infection in a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia and normal T cell functions.
The immunologic status of a patient with disseminated cryptococcosis and no underlying predisposing factor was evaluated. The proportions and numbers of T cells, T cell subsets, B cells and proliferative responses to mitogens and soluble antigens, including cryptococcal antigen, were comparable to those in healthy control subjects; however, the patient had moderately severe hypogammaglobulinemia. The patient continues to do well clinically with intravenous gammaglobulin and antifungal therapy. This study suggests that antibodies might also play a role in the defense against cryptococcal antigen.
D000328:Adult; D000361:Agammaglobulinemia / Q000276:immunology*; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000276:immunology*; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D017099:IgG Deficiency; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G