Serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclass levels in sinus mycetoma

OBJECTIVE: To study the immunity of patients with sinus mycetoma by measuring serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclass levels. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Thirty patients with sinus mycetoma, 71 ordinary chronic rhinosinusitis patients without nasal polyps, and 77 ordinary chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps were collected. In all subjects, the levels of total serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses were measured during surgical treatment. RESULTS: Among 30 patients with sinus mycetoma, decreased IgA level was found in 1 patient, and decreased IgM level was found in another 2 patients. There were no significant differences in the levels of total serum immunoglobulins or IgG subclasses between patients with sinus mycetoma and ordinary chronic rhinosinusitis patients with or without nasal polyps. CONCLUSION: Immunologic defects cannot be detected in patients with sinus mycetoma by measuring levels of total serum immunoglobulins or IgG subclasses. SIGNIFICANCE: Immunoglobulin deficiency may not play an important role in the pathogenesis of sinus mycetoma.