Abstract
Anti-galactocerebroside (GalC) antibodies are reported to be present in GBS patients with preceding Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. We investigated the presence of anti-GalC reactivity in serum of a large group of GBS patients using ELISA and compared this with healthy controls and individuals with an uncomplicated MP infection. Anti-GalC antibody reactivity was present in 12% of the GBS patients. Furthermore, anti-GalC antibodies were associated with MP infections, a relatively mild form of the disease and demyelinating features. Anti-GalC antibodies cross-reacted with MP antigen. In conclusion, anti-GalC antibodies in GBS patients may be induced by molecular mimicry with MP.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
-
Autoantibodies / blood
-
Autoantibodies / immunology*
-
Cross Reactions / immunology
-
Galactosylceramides / immunology*
-
Guillain-Barre Syndrome / blood
-
Guillain-Barre Syndrome / immunology*
-
Guillain-Barre Syndrome / microbiology*
-
Humans
-
Immunoglobulin G / blood
-
Immunoglobulin G / immunology
-
Immunoglobulin M / blood
-
Immunoglobulin M / immunology
-
Molecular Mimicry / immunology*
-
Mycoplasma Infections / blood
-
Mycoplasma Infections / diagnosis
-
Mycoplasma Infections / immunology*
-
Mycoplasma pneumoniae / immunology*
-
Mycoplasma pneumoniae / pathogenicity
Substances
-
Autoantibodies
-
Galactosylceramides
-
Immunoglobulin G
-
Immunoglobulin M