title: [Seroimmunological profile of kala-azar in Tunisia].
abstract: 165 sera of patients suffering from kala-azar were collected before and after treatment (N-methyl glucamine: Glucantime ) and analysed for anti-leishmania antibodies by the counter immunoelectrophoresis and fluorescent antibody techniques. Serum immunoglobulins G, A, M and Complement C4 and C3 were studied as well; and C reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear, anti-mitochondrial and anti-smooth muscle antibodies were investigated. Before treatment, counter immuno-electrophoresis was positive in 63.88% and immunofluorescent antibody test in 94.6%. The analysis of immunoglobulins has shown an increase of IgG in nearly all cases, an increase of IgM in 78.26% of sera tested. Little change has been noted with IgA. C reactive protein has been found in 87.67% and rheumatoid factor in 76.4% of sera examined. In 4 patients, anti-smooth muscle antibodies have been found at a relatively weak dilution. A decrease of complement C4 has been observed whereas complement C3 was slightly increased. After treatment (2 cures of Glucantime ) counter immunoelectrophoresis was positive in 23.07% of cases whereas immunofluorescent antibody test was still positive in 84.62%. IgG remained increases in the whole cases and IgM in only 43,48%. C reactive protein and rheumatoid factor have been found in 14.81% and 50% of cases respectively. Complement C4 remained low whereas complement C3 showed normal mean value. The relationship between the serological disturbances observed and the prognosis were discussed.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000097:blood; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000276:immunology; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000276:immunology; D003378:Counterimmunoelectrophoresis; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000276:immunology; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014416:Tunisia
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D001323:Autoantibodies; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor
vernacular_title: Profil séroimmunologique du kala-azar en Tunisie.