Cell mediated immune responses to purified cardiac antigens in acute rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
Natu, S.M.; Kumar, A.; Dhar, A.K.; Gupta, A.K.; Chandra, M.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 80: 566-571
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 6530271 Document Number: 222647
Cell-mediated immune response (CMI) to purified cardiac antigens (CAI, CAII, CAIII and whole heart extract) was studied in 48 patients [6 with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) with carditis, 12 with ARF without carditis; chronic valvular disease with (6) and without (24) acute rheumatic activity] and 25 healthy controls using the leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) test. CMI was significantly higher in patients of ARF with carditis, as compared to those without carditis. LMI values were significantly higher in the cases of chronic valvular heart disease with acute rheumatic activity as compared to those without acute rheumatic activity. The LMI values were also higher in those with involvement of .gtoreq. 2 valves. CMI to CAIII antigen was most reliable, as compared to CAI, CAII or whole heart extract.