Oligoclonal IgG and intrathecal IgG synthesis in patients with infections of the central nervous system from Kuwait

ABSTRACT

We analysed paired CSFand serum samples from 33 inpatients from Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in Kuwait with well defined CNS infections for oligoclonal IgG bands using isoelectric focusing on agarose [AIEF] with immunoperoxidase staining. Of the 33 patients, 9 had oligoclonal bands in the CSF 6 had evidence of intrathecal synthesis of IgG [bands in CSF but not in parallel serum] and 3 had evidence of systemic immune stimulation [oligoclonal bands in the CSF and in parallel serum]. Both IgG band patterns were scattered among all specific diagnoses, most notably in CNS infections with a single identifiable agent. The test was highly positive in chronic CNS infections like cryptococcal meningitis and could be the first warning to the clinician of this rare condition