Anti-Anisakis sp. antibodies in serum of patients with sepsis and their relationship with γδ T cells and disease severity.

Immunosuppression in sepsis reduces both αβ and γδ T cell subsets. Anisakis sp. is a parasitic nematode with a high prevalence in Spain. Previous contact with the parasite is related to a decrease in γδ T cells. Anti-Anisakis antibodies were measured and related to αβ and γδ T cells in 114 septic patients versus 97 healthy controls. Significant differences were seen with respect to the groups with severe sepsis and septic shock where lower anti-Anisakis levels were observed. A similar decrease appeared in the case of specific IgM with significant differences between the groups of control/uncomplicated sepsis versus severe sepsis and septic shock. These differences were also apparent in the case of specific IgA. The lowest IgE levels were detected in the septic shock group. Anti-Anisakis IgG levels significantly increased in septic shock groups compared with the controls. We observed positive correlations among anti-Anisakis IgA levels and all γδ T cell subsets. There were negative correlations among IgA levels and APACHE and SOFA indices. Greater contact with the parasite (IgG) was directly related with septic shock, inflammation and markers of sepsis severity. A lack of protection in the mucosa (IgA and γδ T cells) was associated with the disease severity.