Circulating Immune Complexes in Korean Hemorrhagic Fever -Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome-

Abstract

To clarify the presence and the role of immune complexes in the pathogenesis of Korean hemorrhagic fever. circulating immune complexes were measured by platelet aggregation test, C1q-gel diffusion test, and polyethylene glycol precipitation test in the blood from the 24 patients during the early phase of Korean hemorrhagic fever. Serum complement and immunoglobulins were also measured. In all patients, circulating immune complexes were detected by one or more test. Detection rate of circulating immune complexes was 100% in the early phase and gradually decreased in the late phase, During the early phase of Korean hemorrhagic fever, the level of C3 decreased significantly and the level of immunogIubulin M increased from the fifth day of illness. Positive rate of circulating immune complexes were significantly correlated to decreased C3 level and severity of disease, It was concluded that circulating immune complexes play important roles in the pathogenesis of Korean hemorrhagic fever.