[Detection of antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae in cervicovaginal secretion and in serum]

Abstract

In 33 female patients suffering from gonorrhoea, we searched for specific antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) directed against gonococci by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique. This investigation was performed both before and after specific treatment. In comparison to 17 healthy women, we found increased rates of IgA and IgG antibodies in the secretion of our patients, the IgA rate being slightly higher than the IgG count; IgM was not detectable at all. In the serum, IgG antibodies clearly dominated over IgA and IgM. After successful treatment, IgA antibodies showed a more rapid reduction than IgG in both secretion and serum.