Serum and cerebrospinal fluid in eosinophilic meningoencephalitis: immunoglobulins and antibody to Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Abstract Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis were analyzed for changes in the protein profile and for antibodies to an Angiostrongylus cantonensis extract to seek evidence for a local immune response in the central nervous system. The results showed increased serum IgG and increased CSF total protein, albumin, IgG, IgA, and IgM. Although the CSF immunoglobulin levels were much lower than the corresponding serum levels, antibody activity of both fluids to A. cantonensis extract were similar. These findings are compatible with the idea that CSF antibodies may be synthesized locally within the central nervous system in response to antigenic stimulation.