Streptococcal antibodies and complement components in tropical post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Abstract

Anti-deoxyribonuclease "B' was elevated in 94.9% of 59 cases of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis studied, whereas ASO was elevated only in 54.4% of cases showing that the ADNB titre is a more sensitive indicator of antecedent streptococcal infection than ASO, in tropical countries with a high prevalence of pyoderma. Serum C3c (beta 1A) levels were significantly decreased, especially in the early phase of the illness and returned to normal with remission. C4 levels were decreased only in the early phase of the illness, suggesting involvement of the alternate pathway subsequent to classical pathway activation.