IgA Antibodies to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Duodenal Juice and Saliva from Patients with Peptic Ulcer and Non-Ulcer Controls

Abstract

Fasting duodenal juice and saliva were obtained from 26 peptic ulcer patients and 28 controls. IgA antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were measured by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total IgA in the samples was measured by the double-sandwich ELISA. The median and interquartile range of anti HSV-1 IgA titres in saliva were 8 (4–12) and 4 (1–8) in ulcer patients and controls, respectively (p<0.02). Comparative values in duodenal juice were 12 (2–16) and 4 (0–6) (p<0.002). The concentration of total IgA was not higher in ulcer patients than in controls, and no correlation existed between total IgA and anti HSV-1 titres. The results add further evidence that HSV type 1 is involved in the pathogenesis of peptic ulceration.

Key words:

• Duodenal juice
• duodenal ulcer
• gastric ulcer
• herpesvirus
• IgA antibodies