Measurement of non-specific antibodies in renal transplant patients and the incidence of certain postoperative viral infections

ABSTRACT

In this study we assess the level and incidence of panel reactive antibodies which are the main cause of hyperacute rejection in renal transplant. The patients sera were tested against the lymphocytes of standard individuals. The lymphocytes panel had adequate representation of most of known antigens. 11 out of 20 patients [55%] gave positive standard panel test utilizing the microlymphocytotoxic assay. The positivity was recorded at 20°C suggesting that those patients were sensitized. When the recipient sera were treated with Dithiothreitol [DTT] 2 cases showed false cytotoxic antibodies as shown in thee-negative panel obtained after the DTT treatment. The other nine positive cases showed true cytotoxic by not reacting with DTT. 80% of active CMV infections occurred concomitantly to acute rejection episodes and/or its treatment suggest a chronologic, possibly causal link between rejection and CMV infection