Mean Immunoglobulin G Concentration Research Articles

Changes in serum total protein and immunoglobulin G concentrations and Brix percentages in neonatal Arabian foals from birth up to 21 days of age

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum total protein (STP) concentrations and serum Brix percentages of neonatal Arabian foals during first 3 weeks of life. Blood samples were collected from 12 apparently healthy foals by jugular venipuncture at birth and at 12-hours, 24-hours, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 21 days of age. Serum IgG and STP concentrations and Brix percentages were measured by the radial immunodiffusion assay, and digital STP and Brix refractometers, respectively. Based on the serum IgG concentrations measured at 24 h, two foals were diagnosed with failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). While IgG concentrations were determined using the data of foals with adequate transfer of passive immunity, other calculations were made using the data of all foals. The mean IgG concentration of the foals increased from birth (<200 mg/dl) to 12 (2068.5 mg/dl) and 24 h (2184.7 mg/dl), and progressively decreased up to 21 days of age (1318.5 mg/dl). The serum IgG concentrations at 12 h were highly correlated with each of the IgG concentrations measured over the 21-day period. The serum IgG and STP concentrations and Brix percentages of the foals diagnosed with FTPI at 12 h did not reach the adequate strata over time. These results suggest that foals can be reliably tested for passive immunity status at 12 h after birth.

Validation of Brix refractometer to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in goat colostrum.

Background and Aim:Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is high in goat colostrum, particularly in the first few hours after parturition, and this is important for the kid’s immunity and growth. IgG levels vary depending on several factors, including breed, disease status, colostrum management, handling, and collection time postpartum. A handheld optical refractometer, an affordable instrument that is simple to use in the field, is used widely in dairy farms to measure total solids. However, it can also be applied to estimate colostrum IgG content on the basis of comparison with standard measurement methods, usually radial immunodiffusion. Studies comparing %Brix values in relation to IgG concentration measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in goats are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of a handheld optical Brix refractometer for the measurement of IgG concentration in goat colostrum, compare results with those using ELISA, and estimate the %Brix cutoff value equating to low-quality colostrum.Materials and Methods:Colostrum samples were collected on day 0 from 21 goats (nine Black Bengal, six Saanen, and six of their crossbred offspring) and were frozen. Subsequently, they were analyzed for IgG concentration using a goat-specific ELISA test and Brix percentage using a handheld refractometer. The optimum %Brix cutoff value for the evaluation of colostrum quality was evaluated.Results:The mean IgG concentration and %Brix in colostrum were 10.60±0.64 mg/mL and 25.0±0.9, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.01) correlation between %Brix and IgG concentration. For an IgG concentration of 6.9 mg/dL, the cutoff value for %Brix was 18.5, equating to high specificity (100%) but low sensitivity (50%). A higher %Brix cutoff value of 21.5 showed high specificity (95%) and high sensitivity (100%).Conclusion:A Brix refractometer can be used to estimate goat colostrum quality with a proposed %Brix cutoff value of <18.5%-21.5% for poor-quality colostrum.

Evaluation of alterations in serum immunoglobulin concentrations in components of metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia

PurposeSerum immunoglobulins (Igs) play a critical role in modulating the immune response by neutralizing pathogens, although little is known about the effect of Igs in development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Elevated serum Immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations have been identified in previous studies in populations with obesity and hypertriglyceridemia, whereas variable concentrations of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) have been observed in the setting of dyslipidemia.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, investigators examined the association of serum Ig concentrations with components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. All consecutive adult patients aged 18 years or older discharged from two academic teaching hospitals with serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration measured during their admission were evaluated, with a total of 1809 individuals included and stratified into two groups: those with and those without dyslipidemia.ResultsMean IgG concentration in individuals with and without dyslipidemia was 997 ± 485 mg/dL and 1144 ± 677 mg/dL, respectively (P < 0.0001). After controlling for confounders in the generalized linear model (GLM), the least square mean IgG concentration in individuals with and without dyslipidemia was 1095 and 1239 mg/dL, respectively (P < 0.0001). The mean IgA and IgM concentrations were not significantly different in individuals with and without dyslipidemia both before and after adjusting covariates. After controlling for confounding variables, all three serum Ig concentrations were not significantly different in individuals with and without diabetes.ConclusionDyslipidemia was associated with a lower mean serum IgG concentration. No association with any serum Ig was indentified in individuals with diabetes. Exploration of the association between alterations in serum Igs and metabolic syndrome and the role of alterations of Ig concentrations in disease progression represents an important step in identification of appropriate targeted treatment options for reducing cardiovascular risk.

Rozanolixizumab, an Anti-FcRn Antibody: Final Results from a Phase II, Multiple-Dose Study in Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia

Rozanolixizumab, an Anti-FcRn Antibody: Final Results from a Phase II, Multiple-Dose Study in Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia

Quantitative immunoassay for mink immunoglobulin in serum and milk

BackgroundThe significance of maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) for the resistance against a number of infections affecting the health of young mink offspring is not known. Here, we present a validated immunoassay for quantification of mink IgG in serum and milk, using a commercially available polyclonal goat anti-ferret IgG antibody cross-reactive with mink IgG as both the catching and the detection antibody, in a sandwich format enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using this ELISA, serum IgG concentrations was analyzed over time in both mothers and kits in order to establish a correlation between maternal IgG serum concentrations and those of the offspring.ResultsIntra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) for a serum sample ranged from 2.15 to 5.97% depending on the dilution, while the inter-assay CV ranged from 5.17 to 17.78%. In addition, the range of milk intra-assay CV was 2.71–5.92%, while the range of the inter-assay CV was 4.20–16.03%. Calibrating the ELISA with purified mink IgG (an in-house preparation purified from mink serum) the lower limit of detection was found to be 5 ng/mL for serum and 1 ng/mL for milk. Both serum and milk showed high precision and good linearity over a two-log dilution range. When comparing the serum IgG concentrations of the mink kits a clear within litter effect was seen, while the mean serum IgG concentrations of litters differed significantly between some of the litters (P = 0.0013). Mean maternal serum IgG concentrations correlated positively with the IgG serum concentration of the corresponding offspring sampled over a 3 week period (R2 = 0.63).ConclusionsA calibrated and reproducible sandwich ELISA for quantifying mink IgG concentrations in both milk and serum with high analytical sensitivity was developed and validated. The results in this study corroborate previous investigations supporting the usability of the ELISA, paving the way for investigations into the importance of maternal IgG in milk and in serum for the welfare and health of the offspring.

Technical note: Serum total protein and immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal dairy calves over the first 10 days of age

Efficacy of passive transfer of immunity in young calves is commonly assessed using total serum protein (STP) or serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration tested within the first few days of life. To our knowledge, no research has measured changes in these concentrations over this period to establish an appropriate age range for testing. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in STP and serum IgG concentrations from birth until 10 d of age to provide a basis for recommendations for when passive transfer of immunity in dairy calves can be measured. Concentrations of STP and IgG of 12 calves were measured at 11 time points: at approximately 30 min before colostrum feeding, at 24 h after colostrum feeding, and daily from d 2 to 10 of age. Mean (± standard deviation) STP and IgG concentrations were 4.61 ± 0.3 g/dL and 0.6 ± 0.6 mg/mL at birth, 5.83 ± 0.73 g/dL and 22.2 ± 9.6 mg/mL at 24 h after colostrum feeding, and 5.78 ± 0.52 g/dL and 16.1 ± 7.3 mg/mL at d 10 of age, respectively. The IgG concentration declined over subsequent days relative to IgG measured at 24 h at a rate of approximately 0.69 mg/mL per day, declining by 27.6 ± 6.2% (mean ± SD) on d 10. The concentration of STP did not decrease over time. Concentrations of IgG at 24 h after colostrum feeding were highly correlated with each of the measures of IgG over the 10-d period (r ≥0.97). These correlations were supported by the Bland-Altman plots of agreement between the 24-h sample and subsequent samples. Compared with the reference value at 24 h, STP concentrations were highly correlated on d 2 and 3 (r ≥0.98), highly correlated but variable from d 4 to 9 (r ≥0.88), and lower at d 10 (r = 0.76). These results indicate that calves may be reliably tested for passive transfer of immunity using IgG or STP concentrations up to 9 d of age.

Immune suppression of IgG response against dairy proteins in major depression

BackgroundInteractions between the digestive system, brain functions and immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediated immunity against food antigens became recently a topic of growing interest in psychiatry research. Psychological stress can activate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) with subsequent hypercortisolemia. It can also influence intestinal permeability and dynamics of IgG response. Major depression can by accompanied either by activation of inflammatory response or by immune suppression (e.g. decreased antibody production) where hypercortisolemia is a significant immune modulator.The aim of our study was to assess IgG immune response against 44 food products in depressed patients and controls along with markers of psychological stress, inflammation, psychometric and dietary parameters.MethodsSerum IgG concentrations against 44 food antigens, plasma cortisol, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1b concentrations were measured and psychometric parameters were evaluated using Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D 17), Perceived Stress (PSS-10), and Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) scales in 34 depressed patients and 29 controls. Dietary parameters such as frequency of exposure to food antigens, appetite and weight change were assessed.ResultsThere was a significantly lower IgG concentration against dairy in depressed patients compared to controls (post hoc p < 0.05) when there was a high exposure (consumption) to dairy. Our research revealed a significant interaction of IgG concentration against dairy proteins and exposure to dairy between groups (F (2.63) = 3.92, p = 0.025, η2 = 0.12). There was no significant difference in mean IgG concentration against food antigens between patients and controls.We found increased concentration of cortisol in depressed patients (t (1.61) = 2.37, p = 0.02) compared to controls. Patients with melancholic depression had significantly higher (Mrank = 21.27) concentration of cortisol (U = 41, p = 0.006), when compared with the non-melancholic group of patients (Mrank = 12.16). Cortisol concentration significantly positively correlated with HAM-D 17 (r = 0.442, p = 0.009) and with phobias in SCL-90 scale in patients’ group (r = 0.531, p = 0.001). There was decreased concentration of TNF-α (t = 4.256, p < 0.001) in depressed patients compared to controls. IgG concentration of 38.63% food products positively correlated with TNF-α concentration in depressed patients compared to 9.09% of those in healthy controls.ConclusionsWe observed an immune suppression of IgG response to dairy proteins in depressed patients. Hypercortisolemia with involvement of decreased concentration of TNF-α might play a significant role in suppression of IgG response in depressed patients.

The Antibody Response Following a Booster With Either a 10- or 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Toddlers Primed With a 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Early Infancy.

Both the 13- and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV-13; PCV-10) are immunogenic and effective against vaccine-type pneumococcal disease when given to young children. However, limited data are available regarding the interchangeability of these 2 vaccines. UK children (n = 178) who had previously been vaccinated with PCV-13 at 2 and 4 months were randomized to receive either a PCV-13 or a PCV-10 booster at 12 months of age. PCV-13 vaccine-type antipolysaccharide serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations and opsonophagocytic assay titers were measured before and at 1 and 12 months following vaccination. The primary objective was to assess noninferiority of PCV-10 compared with PCV-13. For 8 of the PCV-10 serotypes at least 97% of participants in both groups had IgG concentrations ≥0.35 µg/mL at 1 month after vaccination; inferior responses were seen for serotypes 5 and 9V following the PCV-10 compared with the PCV-13 booster. Post booster geometric mean IgG concentrations and opsonophagocytic assay titers were significantly superior for most serotypes in PCV-13 compared with PCV-10 recipients, whereas similar or inferior responses were seen for serotypes 4, 18C, and 19F. Although some increase in antibody was seen in PCV-10 recipients against the serotypes 6A and 19A (serotypes that cross-react with 6B and 19F in PCV-10, respectively) at 1-month post booster, these responses were significantly lower than in the PCV-13 group. In PCV-13 primed infants, a PCV-10 booster is generally less immunogenic than a PCV-13 booster. For the 3 serotypes in PCV-10 with higher antigen content and/or conjugation to diphtheria or tetanus toxoid carrier proteins, higher or similar booster responses were seen in PCV-10 recipients. Although these findings suggest that responses are generally better with a PCV-13 booster among PCV-13 primed children, the clinical significance of these differences in immunogenicity is unclear.

Concentración de inmunoglobulina G en calostro bovino en cruces Bos taurus x Bos indicus en los primeros tres días pos parto

El objetivo fue correlacionar la concentración de inmunoglobulina G (IgG) con la proteína, los minerales y el color en 69 calostros de bovinos de cruces Bos taurus x Bos indicus de un predio del sistema de producción doble propósito del piedemonte llanero en los primeros tres días posparto. La concentración de IgG en calostro presentó una correlación negativa con los días posparto, y una correlación positiva con el contenido de proteína, lactosa y sólidos en calostro entero. La correlación entre el color del calostro entero y la concentración de IgG fue positiva para el valor b* (r=0.182, p=0.024), localizado entre el rango de azules y amarillos. La concentración mediana de IgG para el día uno fue 51,601 mg/ml, para el día dos de 23,319 mg/ml y para el día tres de 36,534 mg/ml. Las concentraciones de IgG fueron significativamente superiores el día 1 posparto e inversamente correlacionada con los días posparto (p &lt; 0,05), el número del parto no se encontró asociados a la concentración de IgG (p &gt; 0,05). La población bovina evaluada produce calostro de buena calidad que puede aprovecharse para la transferencia de inmunidad pasiva creando bancos de calostro.Palabras clave: IgG; ELISA; parto; color; AIMS, FAO; Immunoglobulin; ELISA; parturition; colour

Use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to quantify immunoglobulin G concentration and an analysis of the effect of signalment on levels in canine serum

Deficiency in immunoglobulin G (IgG) is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections in humans and animals, and changes in IgG levels occur in many disease states. In companion animals, failure of transfer of passive immunity is uncommonly diagnosed but mortality rates in puppies are high and more than 30% of these deaths are secondary to septicemia. Currently, radial immunodiffusion (RID) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are the most commonly used methods for quantitative measurement of IgG in dogs. In this study, a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assay for canine serum IgG was developed and compared to the RID assay as the reference standard. Basic signalment data and health status of the dogs were also analyzed to determine if they correlated with serum IgG concentrations based on RID results.Serum samples were collected from 207 dogs during routine hematological evaluation, and IgG concentrations determined by RID. The FTIR assay was developed using partial least squares regression analysis and its performance evaluated using RID assay as the reference test. The concordance correlation coefficient was 0.91 for the calibration model data set and 0.85 for the prediction set. A Bland–Altman plot showed a mean difference of −89mg/dL and no systematic bias. The modified mean coefficient of variation (CV) for RID was 6.67%, and for FTIR was 18.76%.The mean serum IgG concentration using RID was 1943±880mg/dL based on the 193 dogs with complete signalment and health data. When age class, gender, breed size and disease status were analyzed by multivariable ANOVA, dogs <2 years of age (p=0.0004) and those classified as diseased (p=0.03) were found to have significantly lower IgG concentrations than older and healthy dogs, respectively.

IgG levels against 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine serotypes in non pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunized healthy Japanese and intravenous immunoglobulin preparations.

No studies showed specific antibody levels against all serotypes covered by 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) among polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products. Our study aimed to assess whether we could expect the efficacy of IVIG therapy for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and to clarify the age group which should be recommended for IVIG therapy in case of IPD. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against PCV13 serotypes were measured in four IVIGs which were produced from Japanese donors who were not immunized with any pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), and in the serum of 160 non-PCV immunized Japanese subjects, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The functional opsonic activities of the IVIGs against serotypes 6B and 19A were assessed by a multiplexed opsonophagocytic killing assay. Japanese infants aged <2 years had a geometric mean IgG concentration of <0.35 μg/ml against several serotypes. Serotype-specific IgG concentrations varied among IVIGs. In general, IgG antibodies against serotypes 6A, 14 and 19A were higher in each IVIG. Although opsonization indices also varied among preparations, each IVIG had the ability to opsonize both serotypes 6B and 19A. This study suggests that routine immunization with PCV is important for prevention of IPD, especially for children <2 years old and IVIGs might be effective for IPD patients.

An investigation of the impacts of induced parturition, birth weight, birth order, litter size, and sow parity on piglet serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G

Objective: To determine the impacts of induced parturition, birth weight, birth order, litter size, and sow parity on piglet serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) . Materials and methods: In Experiment 1, sows were either induced to farrow (n = 56) or allowed to farrow naturally (n = 84). Litters of induced sows were placed immediately into a warm crèche until farrowing was complete, then all piglets were weighed and placed with the sow at the same time. Blood samples were collected at 3 days of age from one or two of the smallest pigs, one medium pig, and the largest pig in each litter for measurement of serum IgG. In Experiment 2, the firstborn and last-born piglets in 78 litters were blood sampled at 3 days of age and sera were assayed for total IgG. Results: Experiment 1. Mean serum IgG concentration was higher in piglets from induced litters than in piglets from control sows (P &lt; .001). Serum IgG concentrations increased with increased piglet weight (P &lt; .001). Piglets from larger litters had lower serum IgG (P &lt; .001). Serum IgG concentrations in piglets were not affected by sow parity (Experiment 1) or birth order (Experiment 2). Implications: Supervision of farrowing may allow for improved colostrum intake with benefits to passive immunity. However, first-born pigs do not appear to get a disproportionate share of available immunoglobulins.

Factors associated with the concentration of immunoglobulin G in the colostrum of dairy cows

Transfer of sufficient immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the neonatal calf via colostrum is vital to provide the calf with immunological protection and resistance against disease. The objective of the present study was to determine the factors associated with both colostral IgG concentration and colostral weight in Irish dairy cows. Fresh colostrum samples were collected from 704 dairy cows of varying breed and parity from four Irish research farms between January and December 2011; colostral weight was recorded and the IgG concentration was determined using an ELISA method. The mean IgG concentration in the colostrum was 112 g/l (s.d. = 51 g/l) and ranged from 13 to 256 g/l. In total, 96% of the samples in this study contained >50 g/l IgG, which is considered to be indicative of high-quality colostrum. Mean colostral weight was 6.7 kg (s.d. = 3.6 kg) with a range of 0.1 to 24 kg. Factors associated with both colostral IgG concentration and colostral weight were determined using a fixed effects multiple regression model. Parity, time interval from calving to next milking, month of calving, colostral weight and herd were all independently associated with IgG concentration. IgG concentration decreased (P < 0.01) by 1.7 (s.e. = 0.6) g/l per kg increase in the colostral weight. Older parity cows, cows that had a shorter time interval from calving to milking, and cows that calved earlier in spring or in the autumn produced colostrum with higher IgG concentration. Parity (P < 0.001), time interval from calving to milking (P < 0.01), weight of the calf at birth (P < 0.05), colostral IgG concentration (P < 0.01) and herd were all independently associated with colostral weight at the first milking. Younger parity cows, cows milked earlier post-calving, and cows with lighter calves produced less colostrum. In general, colostrum quality of cows in this study was higher than in many previous studies; possible reasons include use of a relatively low-yielding cow type that produces low weight of colostrum, short calving to colostrum collection interval and grass-based nutritional management. The results of this study indicate that colostral IgG concentration can be maximised by reducing the time interval between calving and collection of colostrum.

Immunogenicity and safety of CRM 197 conjugated 9-valent pneumococcal and meningococcal C combination vaccine in healthy infants

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis cause invasive disease in children aged <2 years. While individual conjugate vaccines are available to protect this age group against these pathogens, availability of a vaccine combining these antigens into a single injection is desirable. This study randomized 467 healthy infants to receive 4 doses of combination 9-valent pneumococcal and meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine (9vPnC-MnCC) or 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (9vPnC). Percentages of subjects achieving immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody concentrations ≥0.35 μg/mL and geometric mean IgG concentrations for each pneumococcal serotype in the 9vPnC-MnCC group were noninferior compared to the 9vPnC group. Both vaccines were well-tolerated.

Blood serum free amino acids pattern in newborn calves on colostral diet and orally treated with zeolite

Oral zeolite treatement effects on the blood serum free amino acid pattern in newborn calves was investigated. The total number of 30 newborn Holstein calves of both sexes, weighting 35±3 kg (mean±SD), were immediately after parturition separated from their dams and placed in individual pens. Calves were divided in two experimental groups, 15 calves each. All calves were bottle-fed twice/ day (1.5 L/meal) during the first 48 hours after delivery, in 12 hour intervals, with their mother's first (during 24 hours postpartum) or second colostrum (at 24-48 hours postpartum), starting two hours after delivery. Zeolite suspension (20 mL, 25% suspension in distilled water) was added to every meal for treated calves. Colostrum samples were collected from six cows at 0-12h and 24h after delivery. Total and colostral whey protein concentrations were determined using the colorimetric method. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of calves at 6, 16, 30 and 40 hours after birth. After spontaneous coagulation at room temperature blood serum was separated and stored at -20°C until analyzed. Total protein concentration was determined by the colorimetric method. Blood serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were determined using single radial immunodiffusion (sRID) plates. Pooled blood serum free amino acids (aspartic acid - Asp, glutamic acid - Glu, serine - Ser, histidine - His, glycine - Gly, threonine - Thr, alanine - Ala, proline - Pro, tyrosine - Tyr, arginine - Arg, valine - Val, methionine - Met, Leucine - Leu, Isoleucine - Ile, phenylalanine - Phe) were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, GBC Australia). Total and colostral whey protein concentrations were significantly higher in the first colostrum and decreased between 50-75% at 24-48 hours later on. Mean blood serum IgG concentration was significantly increased at 6 and 16 hours in the treated calves (26±7:20±5 and 55±15:42±13 g/L, p<0.05). Blood serum free amino acids (AA) first were separated at nonessential and essential AA (NEAA and EAA, respectively), both being increased at all time intervals after birth in treated calves. However, when the pooled blood serum free AA were clustered according to polarity and electrical charge and presented as relative values (% of the control group values) at the 6h there was a massive increase of polar positive (Arg, His), polar neutral (Ser, Thr, Tyr) and nonpolar neutral free AA (except Met). The minimal effect of oral zeolite treatment was on the negative polar blood serum free AA concentration (Asp and Glu).

Influence of NaCl 0.9% Infusion during Plasmapheresis on IgG Content in Plasma

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an infusion of NaCl 0.9% 500 ml during preparatory plasmapheresis or apheresis on the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in separated plasma. Methods: 32 donors of plasma were studied in a crossover design after informed consent on one day without NaCl 0.9% 500 ml during apheresis and on another day with infusion of NaCl 0.9% 500 ml during apheresis. Infusion of NaCl 0.9% 500 ml was given step by step in divided doses after each cycle through the harness set of the Haemonetics® plasma collecting system 2 (PCS2). Concentrations of IgG in serum and in plasma were measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay. Percentages of IgG concentrations in plasma were calculated by dividing the IgG concentration in plasma by the mean serum IgG concentrations (× 100). Results: Without infusion of NaCl 0.9% 500 ml, the mean percentage of IgG in separated plasma was 85.5 ± 2.3% while it was 80.5 ± 3.4% when NaCl 0.9% 500 ml was given. The difference between the two samples was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that the gradual infusion of NaCl 0.9% 500 ml during apheresis causes a statistically highly significant difference of IgG content in separated plasma.

Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide and Conjugate Vaccines in Alaska Native Adults 55–70 Years of Age

Vaccination with conjugate vaccines stimulates T cell-dependent immunity, whereas vaccination with polysaccharide vaccines does not. Thus, vaccination with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) followed by the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) may offer better protection against invasive pneumococcal disease for older adults than does vaccination with PPV23 alone, which is what is currently recommended. Alaska Native adults 55-70 years of age with no previous pneumococcal vaccination were randomized to receive (1) PPV23, (2) PCV7 followed 2 months later by PPV23, or (3) PCV7 followed 6 months later by PPV23. Participants recorded reactions after each vaccination. Serum samples collected during the period from May 2002 through February 2003 were tested for serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and for opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) against serotypes 1, 4, 6B, 14, and 19F. Vaccination with PCV7 was well tolerated, but persons receiving PCV7 followed by PPV23 reported more local reactions than those receiving only PPV23. All reactions resolved spontaneously within 72 h of receiving vaccine. The geometric mean IgG concentrations of and the median OPA titers to serotypes 4, 6B, 14, and 19F increased in all groups after 1 dose of either PCV7 or PPV23. Serotype-specific geometric mean IgG concentrations and median OPA titers did not differ between any of the groups after vaccination with PPV23, regardless of whether they had previously received PCV7. In this study, PCV7 given 2 or 6 months before PPV23 was well tolerated but did not improve immune response to PPV23 in older Alaska Native adults.

Camel (Camelus dromedarius) immunoglobulin G, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin and lactoferrin in colostrum and milk during the early post partum period

Colostrum and milk samples from twelve Tunisian camels were analysed for concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG), alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-la), serum albumin (CSA) and lactoferrin throughout the first 14 milkings post partum (7 days of lactation) using single radial immunodiffusion assay. Concentrations (mg/ml, means+/-SD) at first milking were IgG, 100.7+/-60.4; alpha-la, 2.2+/-0.7; CSA, 8.5+/-3.6 and lactoferrin, 1.2+/-0.3. Large variations were recorded for IgG and CSA concentrations (11.8-211.1 mg/ml and 2.9-13.8 mg/ml respectively) Concentrations of IgG and CSA dropped abruptly in the subsequent milkings while alpha-la concentration increased until milking 5 and then decreased slowly. Lactoferrin dropped only from milking 7. Mean IgG concentrations were 3.6 and 2.5 mg/ml at milking 9 and 13 respectively. However, IgG concentration did not differ significantly, at the 1% level, from milkings 11 to 14. The contribution of CSA to the increase in whey proteins in early milks was greater than that described in the bovine and caprine species.

Efficiency of reconstitution of immunoglobulin g from blood specimens dried on filter paper and utility in herpes simplex virus type-specific serology screening.

The performance of studies using sera from remote locations is greatly facilitated if whole-blood samples dried on filter paper are shown to be compatible with the serologic assay being employed. Since dried blood samples do not require immediate refrigeration, occupy little space, and are easily transported, they may be used for evaluating the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 in geographic locations where laboratory resources are limited. We evaluated the utility of dried blood samples for the detection of type-specific HSV antibodies. The efficiency of using immunoglobulin G (IgG) eluted from dried blood samples was found to be consistent with measurement of IgG concentrations in most corresponding serum samples. The ratio of the mean IgG concentration for all dried blood samples to the mean IgG concentration for the corresponding sera was 1:29. When the 1:29 ratio was applied to each of the 22 pairs of samples, there was a deviation of less than 15% between concentrations in the dried blood sample and in the corresponding serum sample in 19 of the pairs. No positive or negative bias was detected for the IgG eluted from dried blood. The presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies was determined in the paired dried blood and serum samples, and no differences in the HSV serostatuses were detected for 43 of the 44 pairs. One pair's serostatus varied, with the serum sample being weakly positive for HSV-1 and the dried blood sample results being equivocal. The detection of HSV antibodies was generally consistent for dried blood samples stored frozen for over 1 year or at room temperature for 30 days, although decreased reactivities were found in a few samples.

Caprine immunoglobulin G, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin in colostrum and milk during the early post partum period.

Colostrum and milk samples from 20 goats were analysed for concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg), alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-la) and serum albumin (CSA) throughout the first 14 milkings post partum (7 d of lactation) using single radial immunodiffusion assay. Concentrations (mg/ml, means +/- SD) at first milking were IgG 47.9 +/- 25.5, beta-lg 30.7 +/- 10.4, alpha-la 2.77 +/- 0.82 and CSA 2.97 +/- 2.46 mg/ml. Large variations were recorded for IgG concentrations (19.9-94.5 mg/ml) and beta-lg (9.3-49.8 mg/ml). Concentrations of IgG, beta-lg and CSA dropped abruptly in the subsequent milkings and alpha-la concentration decreased slowly. Mean IgG concentration was < 2 mg/ml after 7 milkings and < 1 mg/ml after 11 milkings. However, IgG concentration does not differ significantly, at the 1% level, from milkings 7-14. The contribution of beta-lg to the increase in whey proteins in early milks was greater than that of IgG from milkings 5 to 14. The results were tabulated to make it possible to calculate the excess of whey proteins that would be obtained if early milks were illegally added to milk supply.