Use of an immunoglobulin M containing preparation for treatment of two hypogammaglobulinemic patients with persistent Campylobacter jejuni infection.

This report describes two hypogammaglobulinemic patients with persistent Campylobacter jejuni infections in spite of IgG substitution and antibiotic therapy. Since serum bactericidal activity (SBA) depends on IgM, these patients were each treated with six doses of an IgM-containing immunoglobulin preparation (Pentaglobin) at three-week intervals. During IgG therapy SBA was not seen in either patient. However, one hour following administration of the IgM preparation, SBA increased to 90%. Just before the next dose SBA was still at the 30-70% level. Both patients tolerated the therapy very well and there were no culture-confirmed relapses of Campylobacter jejuni infection. The IgM preparation may therefore be a useful alternative to conventional IgG in the treatment of hypogammaglobulinemic patients with persistent Campylobacter jejuni infection.