Complement activation by Coccidioides immitis: In vitro and clinical studies

J. N. Galgiani, P. Yam, L. D. Petz, P. L. Williams, D. A. Stevens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mycelial- or spherule-phase derivatives of Coccidioides immitis caused a decrease in vitro of total hemolytic complement in serum from a nonsensitized person. Activation involved both classic and alternative pathways as shown by depression of hemolytic C4 and by generation of products of activation of components C3, C4, and factor B. In addition, functional complement activity or immunoreactive levels of complement components or both were measured in 23 patients with self-limited or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Low total hemolytic complement was found in nine, usually during the early phase of primary illness, and was transient. Hemolytic C4 was low, and the effect of inulin to decrease complement levels was blunted, suggesting both classic and alternative pathways may be deficient. However, associated depression of immunoreactive levels of components assayed (C3, C4, C5, factor B, and properdin) was not consistently found. This disparity raises the possibility of enhanced in vitro inactivation analogous to activation by immune complexes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)944-949
Number of pages6
JournalInfection and Immunity
Volume28
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1980
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

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