Serum immunoglobulin levels in the course of bacterial meningitis in children.

Serum levels of 5 immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE) were determined at frequent intervals in the course of bacterial meningitis in children. 59 patients were examined; 27 with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, 23 with meningococcal and 9 with pneumococcal meningitis. All 5 immunoglobulins increased during the 2-week course of bacterial meningitis. IgM was the immunoglobulin class responding most rapidly, regularly and intensively. IgG increased moderately. However, practically no rise of the IgG level was observed in children with H. influenzae meningitis. The elevation of the IgA and IgE levels possibly suggests that meningitis may also cause synthesis of IgA and IgE antibodies. The results of the study indicate that antibodies of all the 5 immunoglobulin classes are probably involved in the defense against the causative microbes in bacterial meningitis.