Background. We determined complement and immunoglobulin levels in ascitic-fluid and serum of 47 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, malignant ascites, or tuberculous ascites.
Methods. Paracentesis was done to confirm the underlying cause of ascites. Biochemical, hematologic, and microbiologic investigations were also done.
Results. The highest serum and ascitic fluid C3 and C4 levels and ascitic fluid IgM, IgA, and IgG levels were found in patients with tuberculosis. Ascitic fluid C3 level was found to be higher in the tuberculous group than in the patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or malignant ascites. Ascitic fluid C4 levels were higher in patients with tuberculosis than in those with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Conclusion. We believe that further studies of the in vivo kinetics of immunoglobulins and complement in ascitic fluid of various causes are necessary for a better understanding of the host defense mechanisms of these fluids.