Class IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies against Staphylococcus aureus antigens in human serum and saliva

Abstract

Using the ELISA method antibodies against the sonicate, teichoic acid (TA) and exoproducts of Staphylococcus aureus were determined in sera and saliva of healthy individuals. Main serum antibodies against all the antigens used were shown to be class IgG antibodies. However, antigens of the sonicate stimulated significantly even the systemic IgA response. In the saliva class IgA antibodies predominated, but IgG antibody levels against TA and exoproducts approached the level of IgA antibodies. Levels of IgM antibodies against all antigens tested were low in both the serum and saliva which corresponds with the anamnestic type of response. On the basis of these results one may assume that not only IgG, but also IgA antibodies are important in the systemic immunity against staphylococcal infection and in the immunity of mucous membranes; besides IgA, even class IgG antibodies play an important role.