A direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to enterobacterial Re core glycolipid and lipid A. Results in healthy subjects and in patients infected by gram-negative bacteria.
We have developed an ELISA for IgM and IgG antibodies to the core glycolipid (CGL) of the Re mutant Salmonella minnesota R 595, and to lipid A. Anti-CGL antibodies have been detected in sera from 37% of healthy blood donors, whereas anti-lipid A activities were found in 13% of individuals only. The anti-CGL and anti-lipid A activities were examined in patients in a surgical intensive care unit, selected on the basis of a definite risk of infectious complications due to Gram-negative bacteria. Of the patients who developed such infections, the rate of favourable outcome was significantly higher in patients with either stable positive or increasing anti-CGL activities than in patients found to be negative. Our results provide clear evidence that anti-CGL antibodies contribute to host defence against various Gram-negative bacteria.
Nys
M
M
Département de Médecine, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Université de Liège, Belgium.
Damas
P
P
Damas
F
F
Joassin
L
L
Demonty
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001424:Bacterial Infections; D001782:Blood Donors; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria; D006801:Humans; D008050:Lipid A / Q000276:immunology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D012475:Salmonella / Q000502:physiology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D006017:Glycolipids; D008050:Lipid A; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides