Different Fractions of Plasma Proteins in Some Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Summary

Different fractions of plasma proteins were determined by paper electrophoresis in 16 patients suffering from cholera, in 11 cases of tetanus, 10 cases of meningitis, 10 cases of small pox and 22 normal subjects. Total protein was lower than normal in all diseases studied except tetanus. Albumin was lower and fibrinogen was higher in all diseases as compared to normal values. Of the globulins, cholera cases had low α, increased β and normal γ-globulins. β-globulin contained β₁ and β² fractions not seen in normal persons. In patients suffering from small pox α- and γ-globulin fractions were normal but γ-globulin fraction which increased, contained γ₁ and γ₂-fractions. In patients suffering from meningitis and tetanus all the globulin fractions increased but in meningitis these increased values were not statistically significant. The implication of these changes has been discussed.