Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern Research Articles

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Tripoli, Libya.

The aim of this study was to characterize serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern in apparently healthy adult male (age: 3-7 years) dromedary camels and also evaluate total protein and albumin levels using automated analyzer. Blood samples were taken from 20 camels. 5ml of blood was collected from the jugular vein and serum was separated from samples by centrifugation. Capillary electrophoresis of serum proteins identified six protein fractions in adult camels, including albumin, alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and gamma globulins, serum levels of these parameters were 3.9±0.04 g/dl, 0.16±0.01 g/dl, 0.39±0.03 g/dl, 0.515±0.03 g/dl, 0.205±0.01 g/dl and 0.61±0.04 g/dl, and 65.42±0.62 g/l, respectively. The total protein concentration was 65.42±0.62 g/L, while, the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.4±0.14. The present study indicates six peaks with minicapillary electrophoresis and the results obtained were compared and interpreted in the light of finding reported by other investigators in camels.

The electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in dairy cows with inflammatory diseases

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in dairy cows suffering from various inflammatory diseases, and to study the influence of these diseases on the concentrations of protein fractions. Fourty dairy cows with clinical signs of various inflammatory diseases were used in the study, including cows withpost-partummetritis (n=10), mastitis (n=7), and hoof diseases (n=23). The cows were of a black pied Holstein-Friesian breed, Slovak spotted breed and their crossbreeds at the age of 3.5 to 8 years. Fourteen clinically healthy dairy cows were taken as the control group. The cows were blood sampled for the determination of total serum proteins and serum protein fractions. The protein fractions were divided into albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, and γ-globulins. In cows withpost-partummetritis we found significantly lower concentrations of albumin (P<0.001) and significantly higher values of α1-globulins (P<0.01) compared with healthy animals. Significantly higher concentrations of β1-globulins were observed in cows with mastitis (P<0.001), while the γ-globulin fraction was non-significantly higher. In cows with hoof diseases we recorded significantly lower values of albumin (P<0.001), significantly higher concentrations of α1- and β1-globulins (P<0.001), and non-significantly higher β2- and γ-globulins. Moreover, in the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins we found β-γ bridging in thirteen cows with hoof diseases. Presented data suggest marked influence of inflammatory diseases on the concentrations of serum protein fractions in dairy cows. However, further investigations are needed to establish the diagnostic utility of serum protein electrophoresis in bovine clinical practice in relation to inflammatory diseases.

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in dairy cows during the periparturient period

ABSTRACTThis study was aimed at the evaluation of changes in the concentrations of serum protein fractions in 10 clinically healthy dairy cows in the period from 1 week before to 6 weeks after calving. Serum was analysed for total protein concentrations, and the relative and absolute values of protein fractions – albumin, alpha1- (α1), alpha2- (α2), beta1- (β1), beta2- (β2), and gamma- (γ) globulins. The concentrations of total proteins increased significantly from week 1 before parturition till the end of the sixth week of lactation (P < .001). In the concentrations of albumin, a slight decrease was observed 1 week after parturition, with a further decrease till the end of the study. The concentrations of α1- and α2-globulins increased significantly during the early stages of postpartal period (P < .01 and P < .001). The concentrations of β2-globulins showed an increasing trend after calving (P < .001). The concentrations of γ-globulins increased 3 and 6 weeks after calving (P < .001). These results showed dynamic changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern during peripartum period which reflect the physiological response of the organism to the variation of metabolic and immune functions occurring from gestational non-lactating to a non-gestational lactating state in periparturient dairy cows.

The impact of colostrum intake on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in newborn ruminants

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of colostrum intake on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in clinically healthy calves, lambs and kids during the first two weeks of life, as well as differences in the protein profile between these species of ruminants. The study included three groups of clinically healthy calves (n = 12), lambs (n = 10) and kids (n = 7). The first blood sampling was performed before the colostrum intake (day 0) and then at 1, 2, 7 and 14 days of age. Blood serum was analysed for the concentrations of total proteins, serum protein electrophoretic fractions and albumin/globulin ratio. Serum protein electrophoresis identified in calves 6 (albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, and γ-globulins) and in lambs and kids 5 (albumin, α1-, α2-, β- and γ-globulins) distinct bands. Significant changes were observed in the analysed parameters during the evaluated period in all groups of ruminants. Except of the concentration of total proteins in precolostral serum significant differences in the results were found also between ruminant species. The present study showed significant effect of colostrum intake on concentrations of total proteins and also relative and absolute concentrations of the major of protein fractions in all evaluated species of young ruminants. The results, analysis of which began already in precolostral time, indicate that colostrum feeding is the starting point for significant changes in protein profile in ruminant neonates followed by longer-lasting changes in the following days and weeks of their life.

Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Goat Kids after Colostrum Intake during the First Week of Life

Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Goat Kids after Colostrum Intake during the First Week of Life The first week after birth is characterized by intense metabolic changes typical for the adaptive period influenced also by the intake of colostrum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in goat kids during the first week of life. Nine clinically healthy goat kids of the white shorthaired breed were used in this study. The first blood sample collection was performed before the colostrum intake and then at 1, 2 and 7 days of age. Serum was analyzed for total protein concentrations, and the relative and absolute values of protein fractions - albumin, alpha1-(α1), alpha2-(α2), beta-(β), and gamma-(γ) globulins. The concentrations of total proteins increased significantly 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.001), and then were relatively stable. In the absolute concentrations of albumin, a significant decrease of values was observed 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.01), with a subsequent gradual increase till the end of the first week. For the absolute concentrations of α1-globulins, a significant increase of values was found 1 day after the intake of colostrums (P<0.001). The absolute values of α2- and β- globulins increased significantly from birth till the end of the monitored period (P<0.001). The concentrations of γ-globulins increased significantly 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.001), and then decreased gradually till the end of the first week. Presented results suggest that the changes in serum protein electrophoretic profile in newborn goat kids may indicate not only important neonatal diseases, but they may also be associated with physiological adaptation processes. Shift in the concentrations of albumin and globulin fractions suggests that the age is an important factor, which should be taken into consideration when interpreting serum proteins.

Effects of clinoptilolite added in colostrum on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in neonatal calves

Effects of clinoptilolite added in colostrum on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in neonatal calves

Comparison of serum protein electrophoretic pattern in cows and small ruminants

Determination of the physiological electrophoretic patterns in animals is very useful for clinicians in diagnosing healthy and sick animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in cows, sheep, and goats in order to evaluate the differences in the size and number of protein fractions between the evaluated ruminant species. Ten adult multiparous high-yielding dairy cows, 10 adult female sheep and 10 adult female goats were included in this study. All the evaluated animals were clinically healthy. Serum was analyzed for total serum protein concentrations, and for the relative and absolute values of protein fractions with calculation of albumin/globulin ratios. Serum protein fractions were separated by zone electrophoresis on buffered agarose gel. Serum protein electrophoresis identified 6 distinct bands, comprising albumin, alpha1- (α1), alpha2- (α2), beta1- (β1), beta2- (β2), and gamma- (γ) globulins in cows. In sheep, serum proteins exhibited 6 fractions: albumin, α1-, α2-, β-, γ1- and γ2-globulins. In goats, serum proteins were separated into 5 fractions: albumin, α1-, α2-, β- and γ-globulins. Significant differences in the relative as well as absolute means were found for the albumin/globulin ratio and most of the protein fractions, except γ-globulins. No significant differences were found in the concentration of total proteins. These results describe the marked species differences in most of serum protein fractions between the evaluated groups of animals, and contribute to the current knowledge about the physiological electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in ruminants, which can be used for diagnostic purposes.

Multiple myeloma: The burden and clinico-laboratory characteristics in a Nigerian foremost tertiary hospital

Objectives: To determine the burden, the clinical and laboratory pattern of presentation of multiple myeloma (MM) in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of cases of MM from December 2007 to November 2012. Results: Records of 21 cases of MM were retrievable. The median age was 60 years, with age range of 40-95 years. The M:F ratio was 1.1:1. IgG MM was the most common, found in 14 (70%). Most cases were referred from other clinical departments of the University College of Hospital with Orthopaedics department referring the highest number (33.3%). The most common complaint included low back and waist pain in 20 (96%) of which 9 (44%) had difficulty in walking but 4 (19%) actually had demonstrable paraparesis. Two cases (9.6%) presented in unconscious state while a case (4.3%) respectively presented with malignant pleural effusion, sacral plasmacytoma and cauda-equina syndrome. The mean hematocrit, white cell count and platelet count were 26.5%, 6, 216/mm 3 and 264, 778/mm 3 respectively. Biochemical abnormalities included hyperuricemia (>6 mg/dl) in 4/15 (26.6%). Uremia (urea 50-200 mg/dl) was found in 4/21 (19%), hypocalcemia (Ca ++ 100 mm/H) values were recorded in 19 (90.5%). Main Radiological features were osteolytic lesions and osteoporosis in 18 (85.7%). Serum protein electrophoretic pattern showed abnormally thick gamma band in 47.1%, thick beta band in 19.1%, marked polyclonal gammopathy in 1 (4.8%) and 4 (18.4%) had nonsecretory MM. Bone marrow studies showed presence of abnormal plasmacytosis in all ranging from 20% to 80% infiltration. Therapy was mainly by combination of melphalan, prednisolone and thalidomide (M + P + T). Those who had thalidomide appear to have better survival. Conclusion: MM is a heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical and laboratory features. An average of 4 cases presented per year; bony presentations predominate, IgG MM was the commonest and hypercalcemia was not documented.

Effect of Hepatic Diseases on Serum Protein Electrophoresis in Goats

This study was carried out to show the effect of some liver affections on blood serum proteins in goats using cellulose acetate scanning electrophoresis. Twenty four blood samples were collected from male goats (10 – 12 months old) showed emaciation, lack of appetence, poor growth and edema . in addition to 10 healthy age matching male goats as a control group. After slaughtering, examined goats were classified according to gross pathological investigation of liver affections into 3 groups as following: Group (I): consisted of 10 goats and suffered from Chronic cholangio-hepatitis was characterized by localized partially fibrous peri-hepatitis with slightly fibrosed bile ducts and the gall bladder was enlarged. Biochemical analysis showedan elevation in total proteins, β-region and total globulins , reduction in albumin and ratio of albumin to globulin Group ( II) : consisted of 7 goats and suffered from liver abscesses which ranged from lemon to orange in size, either embedded or raised from the hepatic surface with hemorrhagic surroundings. Biochemical analysis showed an elevation in α-, β- and γ-region and total globulins , reduction in of albumin to globulin ratio . Group (III): consisted of 7 goats and suffered from liver cirrhosis, the liver had lobulated irregular surface, pale and firm with enlarged fibroses gall bladder. Biochemical analysis showed an elevation in total globulins, reduction in total proteins, albumin, α- ,β-region and ratio of albumin to globulin . It can be concluded that the electrophoretic pattern of serum protein is changed according to the type of liver disease. Also, goats in which the liver can synthesize serum albumin, α and/ or β-globulins have a probable fairly good prognosis as it represents chronic cholangio-hepatitis or hepatic abscesses. On the other hand, those with reduced albumin, α and β-globulins as in liver cirrhosis, the prognosis is probably poor.

Increased I2-globulin Levels in Captive Oriental White Storks Fed a Diet of Sand Eels

The aim of the study was to identify the effects of two different diets (sand eels or saurels) on the serum protein electrophoretic patterns of Oriental White Storks held in captivity. The tests were performed on two groups of storks according to the diet (group 1 and 2). Twenty-two (group 1) or twenty-nine (group 2) storks were included. The values of complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profiles, protein fractions (albumin, α-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin), and lipoprotein (high density- [HDL] and low density lipoprotein [LDL]) were compared between samples obtained during two groups (p < 0.05). The α-globulin fraction was decreased and the β-globulin fraction was significantly increased in samples obtained from group 1 compared to those obtained from group 2. In group 1, the concentration of LDL was also significantly increased compared to that of group 2. In conclusion, we confirmed that the β-globulin fraction was significantly elevated in storks fed sand eels.

Electrophoretic profile of serum proteins from Dromedary camels

Electrophoretic pattern of serum protein and dialysed serum protein profiles were studied from apparently healthy camels on 10 and 15% SDS-PAGE in addition to total protein and immunoglobulin content. The electrophoretic pattern of camel serum protein revealed 7 prominent bands of molecular weights ranging from 28.21 kDa to 123.07 kDa on 10% SDS-PAGE and dialysed serum protein revealed 4 prominent bands of molecular weights ranging from 24.30 kDa to 110.87 kDa. The electrophoretic pattern of camel serum protein on 15% SDS PAGE revealed 8 prominent bands of molecular weights ranging from 0.005 to 121.04 kDa along with 5 bands of dialysed serum protein. There are about 7 lower molecular weight bands which may be of prealbumin and other lower molecular weights of proteins. The lower molecular weight bands may be of prealbumin. The band with higher molecular weight may be of different globulin fractions including immunoglobulins. Total protein and immunoglobulin content were low in present study suggesting that it is due to very hot temperature and limited grazing facility during summer.

Comparison of effects of age and sex on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Semnan, Iran.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age and sex on the concentration of total serum protein measured by the biuret method and protein fractions determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis in apparently healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). Blood samples were collected from 21 camels (12 males and 9 females). The camels were further divided into two groups: 12 young camels at the age of 3 months to 2 years and 9 adult camels at the age of 3-15 years. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins identified five protein fractions in adult camels as young camels, these five protein fractions include albumin, α1 and α2, β and γ-globulins. In adult camels, serum levels (g/l) of total protein, albumin, α1-globulins, α2-globulins, β-globulins and γ-globulins were 80.9±3.10, 42.9±3.10, 1.3±0.22, 2.2±0.30, 11.8±0.30 and 22.6±0.20, respectively. However, in young camels, these levels (g/l) were 66.8±2.90, 40.2±2.40, 1.0±0.14, 2.6±0.30, 10.6±0.80 and 12.3±1.20, respectively. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.08±0.28 in adult camels and 3.77±0.53 in young ones. The mean serum concentrations of total protein and γ-globulins were significantly (P<0.05) higher and the A/G ratio was significantly lower in adult camels compared to young camels. The mean concentrations of γ-globulins were significantly higher and the A/G ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lower in females compared to male camels. The results of the present study indicate a significant effect of age and sex on the concentrations of some of the serum protein fractions in dromedary camels.

Age-related changes in the concentrations of serum proteins in calves

The objective of this study was to describe the physiological differences in serum protein electrophoretic pattern in calves at different ages and nutrition. One hundred and one clinically healthy calves at the age from 2 weeks till 6 months were included into the study. On the basis of their age and age-related feeding management, the calves were divided into five groups (calves at the age of 2 weeks, 1 month, 2, 3–4, and 5–6 months). Blood samples were taken by direct puncture of v. jugularis. Blood serum was analyzed for total serum protein concentrations, the relative and absolute values of protein fractions (albumin, alpha1 [α1]-, alpha2 [α2]-, beta1 [β1]-, beta2 [β2]-, and gamma [γ]-globulins) with calculation of albumin:globulin ratios. The results showed a significant effect of age and changes in nutrition on the serum total protein (TP) concentrations and the most of protein fractions. Significantly higher relative concentrations of albumin, α-globulins (predominantly α2), as well as β1-globulins were found in younger calves compared with older animals (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the relative values of β2-, γ-globulins, and TPs were significantly lower in younger calves than in older ones (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Therefore, it is essential to determine the physiological serum protein electrophoretic pattern in different age groups of calves, because these reflect the physiological response of animals to changes in nutrition, growth or development. Our results suggest that the age of animals should be taken into consideration when interpreting the serum protein profile.

Electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in dromedary camels

Electrophoretic pattern of serum protein and dialysed serum protein profiles were studied from apparently healthy camels on 10% and 15% SDS-PAGE in addition to total protein and immunoglobulin content. The electrophoretic pattern of camel serum protein revealed 7 prominent bands of molecular weights ranging from 28.21 kDa to 123.07 kDa on 10% SDS-PAGE and dialysed serum protein revealed 4 prominent bands of molecular weights ranging from 24.30 kDa to 110.87 kDa. The electrophoretic pattern of camel serum protein on 15% SDS PAGE revealed 8 prominent bands of molecular weights ranging from 0.005 to 121.04 kDa along with 5 bands of dialysed serum protein. There are about 7 lower molecular weight bands which may be of prealbumin and other lower molecular weight proteins. The lower molecular weight bands may be of pre albumin. The band with higher molecular weight may be of different globulin fractions including immunoglobulins. Total protein and immunoglobulin content were low in present study possibly due to very hot temperature and limited grazing facility during summer.

Changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in lambs during the first month of life

Studies of the changes in serum protein pattern in the neonatal period in animals are still limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the concentrations of serum protein fractions in 7 clinically healthy merino lambs (4 males, 3 females) during their first month of life. The first blood sampling was performed before the colostrum intake and then at 1, 2, 7, 14 and 30 days of age. Blood serum was analysed for total serum protein concentrations and for the relative and absolute values of serum protein fractions - albumin, alpha1- (α1), alpha2- (α2), beta- (β), and gamma- (γ) globulins. The results showed a significant effect of age on the serum total protein concentrations and for all the protein fractions. The concentrations of total proteins and γ-globulins increased significantly 1 day after the colostrum intake (P&lt; 0.001); then decreased gradually till the end of the 1st month. An opposite trend was observed in the concentrations of albumin. A significant decrease of values was found 1 day after the intake of colostrum (P&lt; 0.001) with a subsequent progressive increase of values till the end of the evaluated period. The relative concentrations of α1-globulins significantly decreased during the first month of life (P&lt; 0.001). On the other hand, the relative values of α2- and β-globulins increased significantly from birth till the end of the monitored period (P&lt; 0.001). Our results suggest that the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in growing lambs is significantly influenced by the age of the evaluated animal, and this should be taken into consideration when interpreting the serum protein profile. Our findings extend existing knowledge about significant changes in the protein profile associated with the physiological adaptation process in the neonatal period in young animals.

Comparison of effects of age and sex on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Semnan, Iran

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age and sex on the concentration of total serum protein measured by the biuret method and protein fractions determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis in apparently healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). Blood samples were collected from 21 camels (12 males and 9 females). The camels were further divided into two groups: 12 young camels at the age of 3 months to 2 years and 9 adult camels at the age of 3-15 years. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins identified five protein fractions in adult camels as young camels, these five protein fractions include albumin, a1 and a2, ß and ?-globulins. In adult camels, serum levels (g/l) of total protein, albumin, a1-globulins, a2-globulins, ß-globulins and ?-globulins were 80.9±3.10, 42.9±3.10, 1.3±0.22, 2.2±0.30, 11.8±0.30 and 22.6±0.20, respectively. However, in young camels, these levels (g/l) were 66.8±2.90, 40.2±2.40, 1.0±0.14, 2.6±0.30, 10.6±0.80 and 12.3±1.20, respectively. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.08±0.28 in adult camels and 3.77±0.53 in young ones. The mean serum concentrations of total protein and ?-globulins were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher and the A/G ratio was significantly lower in adult camels compared to young camels. The mean concentrations of ?-globulins were significantly higher and the A/G ratio was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in females compared to male camels. The results of the present study indicate a significant effect of age and sex on the concentrations of some of the serum protein fractions in dromedary camels.

Changes in the Concentrations of Serum Protein Fractions in Calves with Age and Nutrition

The objective of this study was to investigate the serum protein electrophoretic pattern of growing calves with changing nutrition, in order to evaluate the concentrations of serum protein fractions for different age groups. One hundred and eleven clinically healthy calves of a Slovak spotted breed, low-land black spotted breed, or their crossbreeds were included into this study. They were divided into three groups according to their age and nutrition: Group I – calves at the age of 1-2 weeks (milk period, n=30); Group II – calves at the age of 1-2 months (transitional feeding period, n=32); Group III – calves at the age of 3-5 months (solid feeding period, n=49). Blood samples were taken by direct puncture of v. jugularis. Blood serum was analysed for total serum protein concentrations, and for the relative values of protein fractions – albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-and γ-globulins. The results showed a significant effect of age on the serum total protein concentrations and the most of protein fractions. In younger calves significantly higher relative concentrations of α1-, α2- and β1-globulins compared with older animals were recorded (P<0.05). On the other hand, the relative values of β2-, γ-globulins, and total proteins in younger calves were significantly lower than those measured in older ones (P<0.05). It is concluded that there are marked age-dependent differences in serum protein fractions in growing calves, and this should be taken into consideration when interpreting serum protein profile.

Serum protein alterations in goats naturally infected with Babesia ovis

Summary This study was conducted to determine the electrophoretic pattern of serum protein in goats infected with Babesia ovis . Serum total protein was calculated and serum electrophoresis from 15 goats naturally infected with B. ovis as well as same number of healthy goats was performed. Microscopic examination of Giemsa- stained peripheral blood smears revealed B. ovis infection. The parasitological diagnosis was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay by using a pair of B. ovis -specific primers . Mean values total protein andandglobulin fractions in infected goats were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those observed in the healthy group.

The serum protein electrophoretic pattern and acute phase protein concentrations in calves with chronic respiratory diseases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum protein electrophoretic pattern and the concentrations of acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen) in 28 calves with clinical signs of chronic respiratory diseases and 36 healthy calves as a control group. In sick calves we found significantly higher serum concentrations of total proteins (P < 0.001), lower concentrations of albumin (P < 0.001) and marked shift in the concentrations of the most of protein fractions with significantly higher values of alpha1-, beta1-, beta2-, and gamma-globulins (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). The affected calves had significantly higher values of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen as well (P < 0.05, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Gastric plasmablastic lymphoma in HIV-negative patient

An 82-year-old female patient presented with melena, epigastric pain, progressive abdomen fullness and weight loss (8 kg) in the past 2 months. During physical examination, cutaneous pallor was evident and a large abdominal mass in epigastrium was palpable. There was no peripheric lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Blood count showed microcytic anemia and ferropenia (Hb = 7.5 g/dl, VGM = 79 fL; ferritin = 21 g/l, iron saturation = 23 %). Differential leukocyte counts, hepatic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenate levels were within normal limits. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed large gastric body ulceration with areas of mucosal hyperemia and pallor (Fig. 1). Computed tomography of the abdomen (Fig. 2) showed diffuse wall thickening involving the gastric fundus, body and antrum. Histological examination of the biopsy specimens revealed a diffuse, monomorphous proliferation of the tumour cells with features of immunoblasts, CD138, MUM-1, and kappa light chains positive (Fig. 3). These plasmablast-like features of tumour cells and lack of CD45 and B-cell associated antigens, disclosed the diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL). Serology was negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins was normal and the bone marrow biopsy was free of lymphoma at histological evaluation. The patient started treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy, but died before the second cycle was given.