Elevated polymorphonuclear phagocytic function in thalassemia patients by chemiluminescence.

Twenty five patients with beta thalassemia major, with no evidence of infection were evaluated for their polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) metabolic function and serum opsonic activity by chemiluminescence assay. These were divided into Group I of normal adults (n = 21), Group II thalassemia major < 5 years (n = 9) and Group III thalassemia major > 5 years (n = 16). The ability of the chemiluminescence assay (CL) to reflect opsonic and phagocytic dysfunction suggested its potential application in the evaluation of phagocytic function. The peak count of Group I was (1.07 +/- 0.24 x 10(-5)), Group II (1.60 +/- 0.83 x 10(-5)) and Group III was (2.71 +/- 0.98 x 10(-5)) respectively in the presence of autologous sera. The peak count compared between Group I and III was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The peak count of Group I and II when compared showed a trend in the increase activity not statistically significant. The polymorph function of all the groups were compared with autologous serum as well as normal serum. There was no increase in polymorph function of Group III in the presence of thalassemia serum, nor any decrease in the polymorph function of thalassemia patients of Group II and III. This concluded that polymorphs of thalassemia patients are active in the presence of autologous as well as normal serum. The increased activity of thalassemia polymorphs may be due to antigenic stimulation which may be due to multiple transfusion and not due to circulating iron load.

Study of anti tetanus IgG and IgM levels in maternal and cord sera by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The study was done to determine IgG and IgM antitetanus antibodies in mothers after antenatal immunization, and extent of transfer to the baby as measured by cord levels of tetanus specific IgG and IgM by ELISA using enzyme penicillinase and to study the effect of nutritional status of mothers on antibody response to tetanus toxoid and corresponding cord levels also to determine the number of doses required for protective antibody levels in cord blood. The results obtained in sera of 100 mothers at the time of delivery and their respective cord sera and results of 43 different control sera are discussed using ELISA technique.

Detection of tubercule antigen in cerebrospinal fluids by ELISA for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

An Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was standardised to detect the presence of tubercule antigen in cerebrospinal fluids from patients with meningitis. CSF samples from clinically suspected cases of tuberculous meningitis, culture proven pyogenic meningitis and non-bacterial aseptic central nervous system (CNS) disorders were tested by ELISA to demonstrate its potential utility for routine diagnostic purpose. Tubercule antigen was detected in 73% cases of tuberculous meningitis and was absent in pyogenic and other non-bacterial CNS disorder cases. The test appears to be a promising approach for a definitive diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye test for quick diagnosis of urinary tract infection.

We evaluate the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye reduction test for quicker diagnosis of urinary tract infections for its sensitivity and reliability to detect significant bacteriuria. Of the 1400 urine samples tested 780 (55.7%) had significant bacteriuria. TTC dye test was positive in 678 (86.9%) of those with significant bacteriuria thereby showing its usefulness. The test is simple and cheap and can be carried out in field situations.