ascorbic-acid and Brucellosis

There is suggestive evidence that a low status of ascorbic acid in camels enhances their risk for infectious diseases. This study was carried out to disclose the role of reproduction, if any, in affecting ascorbic acid status. The associations between the reproductive cycle and ascorbic acid contents in plasma and leukocytes were studied in Sudanese camels browsing on local vegetation. Ascorbic acid status was found to be lowest during pregnancy and highest during lactation. Estrus versus non-estrus was associated with high vitamin C status. Brucellosis-positive camels showed decreased levels of ascorbic acid in plasma and leukocytes. Possibly, the phases of non-estrus and pregnancy in camels invoke an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases due to a lower ascorbic acid status.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Camelus; Estrous Cycle; Female; Lactation; Pregnancy

In 14 patients suffering from relapsing chronic brucellosis who were anergic to brucella antigens, we have studied peripheral blood monocyte random migration and chemotaxis against non-specific and specific leukoattractants, as well as plasma and monocyte ascorbic acid levels. We found that all parameters studied, were significantly beneath normal, when compared to normal subjects. After the oral administration of ascorbic acid at a daily dose of 1gr for 15 consequetive days, random and directed migration against a non-specific stimulus (casein) returned to normal. Directed migration against disease associated leukoattractants (brucella melitensis and brucella abortus) antigens improved significantly, without reaching normal values. We concluded that ascorbic acid supplementation might partially restore peripheral, monocyte function and help the monocyte-macrophage system to mount an effective immune response against chronicity of brucella infection.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Cell Movement; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immune Tolerance; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Middle Aged; Monocytes

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Chronic Disease; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Oleandomycin; Phagocytosis; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pigments, Biological; Prodigiosin; Pyrroles; Serratia marcescens; Stimulation, Chemical; Tetracycline; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Humans; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Animals, Laboratory; Ascorbic Acid; Brucella; Brucellosis; Growth; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Humans; Vitamins