IgG and IgA response to Simkania negevensis in sera of patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms

New Microbiol. 2013 Jul;36(3):303-6. Epub 2013 Jun 30.

Abstract

The presence of IgG and IgA antibodies to Simkania negevensis in adult Italian patients with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms was investigated by the microimmunofluorescence test. In patients with respiratory infections, IgG (50%) and IgA (13%) seropositivity was consistent with previous data. In patients with gastrointestinal disorders, IgG (68%) and IgA (18%) seroprevalence was significantly higher than in healthy controls. These results, in association with the previously described detection of S. negevensis in water sources, could suggest an oral route of infection other than droplets or close contact, and a possible association of S. negevensis with gastrointestinal infections.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chlamydiales / immunology*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / microbiology*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Italy
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G