Red cell autoantibodies in ugandan sera.

A red cell autoantibody in low titre was demonstrated in one-third of Ugandan sera tested by performing the Coombs test on enzyme (bromelin) treated erythrocytes. The autoantibody was found with increased frequency in subjects over 40 years of age and in those with the haemolytic anaemia in pregnancy syndrome, but was not detected in medical students. Two subjects with autoantibodies and normal haemoglobin values had a normal red cell survival. The autoantibody was not associated with acute attacks of malaria. The possible relationships of the autoantibody to the haemolytic anaemia in pregnancy and the tropical splenomegaly syndromes are discussed.