Carrier detection of sialidosis with partial beta-galactosidase deficiency by the assay of lysosomal sialidase in lymphocytes.

Lysosomal and plasma membrane sialidase activities in lymphocytes were studied in four patients with sialidosis with partial beta-galactosidase deficiency, four obligate heterozygotes, and three siblings of a patient. Lysosomal sialidase activity in homozygotes was absent, and that in heterozygotes was significantly decreased to 70% of control level. The results indicate that carriers can be detected by the assay of lysosomal sialidase activity of lymphocytes.