[Antibody titers to glycolipid chemotype Re and endotoxin binding by leukocytes in suppurative meningitis].

The state of immunity to endotoxin of gram-negative bacteria in 45 patients with purulent meningitis caused by meningococci and Escherichia was studied. For comparison, similar characteristics in 35 practically healthy persons were studied. The state of immunity was evaluated by antibody titers in the passive hemagglutination inhibition test with chemotype Re glycolipid and by the content of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, capable of binding endotoxin in the blood of the examinee (in vivo determination), and leukocytes, capable of binding endotoxin during the treatment of thin blood smears (in vitro determination). Leukocytes bound with endotoxin were detected in blood smears in the enzyme immunoassay with the use of the conjugate of horse-radish peroxidase with antibodies to chemotype Re glycolipid. The study revealed that the acute period of bacterial meningitis was characterized by considerable suppression of antiendotoxin immunity. Leukocytes, binding endotoxin in vivo, as well as leukocytes, capable of binding endotoxin in vitro, were practically absent in the patients at the time of their admittance to the hospital. After treatment the characteristics of antiendotoxin immunity restored practically to normal values.