A.W. Woodruff

Bio: A.W. Woodruff is an academic researcher from University of London. The author has contributed to research in topics: Schistosomiasis & Diethylcarbamazine. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 35 publications receiving 448 citations. Previous affiliations of A.W. Woodruff include University College Hospital.

Anaemia in African trypanosomiasis and 'big spleen disease' in Uganda.

Abstract: Anaemia is common in African trypanosomiasis and in ‘big spleen disease’ in Uganda and its presence raises the question whether it could have an immunological basis. If an immunological mechanism is responsible, complement coating of the erythrocytes is likely to occur. Erythrocytes from patients with African trypanosomiasis and from others with ‘big spleen disease’ in Uganda were examined with an anti-complement serum. The presence of complement coating on the cells was demonstrated. Studies with chromium 51 in these patients also showed shortening of the erythrocyte life span with, in some, accumulation of radioactivity in the spleen resulting presumably from erythrophagocytosis within it. It is concluded that in active trypanosomiasis and in ‘big spleen disease’ in Uganda immune cytolysis contributes to anaemia and splenomegaly and that such a process long continued results in the development of the gross splenomegaly encountered in ‘big spleen disease’.

Mechanisms involved in the anaemia of schistosomiasis

Abstract: 1. 1. In normal and T.O. mice in this laboratory the 51CrT12 was found to be 13 days but in mice infected with S. mansoni this value was reduced to 5 days. 2. 2. This shortening of erythrocyte life span in the infected mice was associated with anaemia, no significant blood loss from the bowel but with some compensatory increase in bone marrow activity thus indicating that the anaemia was haemolytic, not dyshaemopoietic, in origin. 3. 3. Studies of splenic radioactivity indicated that the red cells of shortened life span were largely destroyed in the spleen. 4. 4. It was shown that infection with 1,000 irradiated and with 100 non-irradiated cercariae produced infections in the mice with similar numbers of adult schistosomes no ova accumulated in the tissues of the animals infected with irradiated cercariae. 5. 5. In animals infected with irradiated or non-irradiated cercariae anaemia developed but was slower to develop and less severe in the group infected with irradiated cercariae. 6. 6. The 51CrT12 in the anaemia with infections produced by irradiated cercariae was 8 days as contrasted with 5 days in their counterparts with infections from non-irradiated cercariae. The only detectable difference between the two groups was that those with the infections from non-irradiated cercariae also accumulated ova in thier tissues i.e. acquired a larger amount of helminthic antigen. Cirrhosis of the liver did not develop in the animals infected with ordinary cercariae. 7. 7. The conclusion is reached that anaemia in these animals is, at least in part, of immunological origin and an autoimmune process appears probable.

The mechanism of anaemia in kala-azar a study of 2 patients

Abstract: Two patients with proved visceral leishmaniasis were studied with radio-iron 59Fe and radio-chromium 51Cr respectively, in an attempt to elucidate some of the mechanisms producing anaemia in this disease. The red cell life span was shown to be greatly reduced, with sequestration and probable haemolysis occurring in the spleen. The ferrokinetic studies suggested a mild degree of ineffective erythropoiesis. Blood volume determinations were normal.

The direct antiglobulin test and immunoconglutinin titres in patients with malaria.

Abstract: The erythrocytes of 13 23 patients with clinical malaria were agglutinated at some time by anti-non-gamma globulin sera in contrast to 1 23 samples from control normal persons. Samples from patients and controls were handled in parallel from the moment of sampling onwards. The immunoconglutinin titre of the serum was raised in 6 10 patients with clinical malaria.

Incorporating a Rapid-Impact Package for Neglected Tropical Diseases with Programs for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria

Abstract: Hotez et al. argue that achieving success in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria may well require a concurrent attack on the neglected tropical diseases.

The Biology and Detection of Immune Complexes

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter describes the interaction of immune complexes (ICs) with complement and with the cells of the immune system. The effect of immune complexes depends to a great extent on their antigen–antibody ratio so that their influence, either stimulatory or suppressive, is itself modulated by quantitative aspects of the immune response. The development of numerous techniques for the detection and quantitation of immune complexes has stimulated clinically related research and expanded the list of diseases in which immune complexes appear to play an important role. An extension of this diagnostic technology is the ability to isolate immune complexes and, in turn, their antigenic component, thereby making it possible to identify the antigens involved in immune processes of a great many diseases, including those of unknown etiology. In vivo and in vitro experiments have clarified many factors involved in IC formation, removal, and localization as well as the mechanisms of IC-induced inflammatory reactions. An individual can make an immune response to a large number of exogenous and a smaller number of endogenous antigens. Depending upon the availability of antigen, the antibodies so produced form ICs, which for the most part serve the purpose of aiding the host in eliminating potential pathogens.

Options for Field Diagnosis of Human African Trypanosomiasis

Abstract: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense or T. b. rhodesiense remains highly prevalent in several rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa and is lethal if left untreated. Therefore, accurate tools are absolutely required for field diagnosis. For T. b. gambiense HAT, highly sensitive tests are available for serological screening but the sensitivity of parasitological confirmatory tests remains insufficient and needs to be improved. Screening for T. b. rhodesiense infection still relies on clinical features in the absence of serological tests available for field use. Ongoing research is opening perspectives for a new generation of field diagnostics. Also essential for both forms of HAT is accurate determination of the disease stage because of the high toxicity of melarsoprol, the drug most widely used during the neurological stage of the illness. Recent studies have confirmed the high accuracy of raised immunoglobulin M levels in the cerebrospinal fluid for the staging of T. b. gambiense HAT, and a promising simple assay (LATEX/IgM) is being tested in the field. Apart from the urgent need for better tools for the field diagnosis of this neglected disease, improved access to diagnosis and treatment for the population at risk remains the greatest challenge for the coming years.

The Anaemia of P. falciparum Malaria

Abstract: The haematological changes in a group of young Gambian children with P. falciparum malaria have been analysed. In children with acute infection anaemia was most marked during the period after treatment. Although many of these patients developed a positive direct Coombs test during this period of the illness it is not clear whether the anaemia which occurs after treatment has an immune basis. A second group of children showed quite different haematological findings. They appear to have a more chronic form of P. falciparum malaria infection, were profoundly anaemic at presentation, showed gross dyserythropoietic changes in their bone marrows, and had a full reticulocyte response and rise in haemoglobin after treatment. A third group of children were encountered whose haematological abnormalities were intermediate to those of the acute and chronic groups. These findings indicate that the patho-physiological mechanisms responsible for the anaemia of P. falciparum malaria are different at different stages of the illness.