Abstract

Abstract:Sera from 40 active heroin addicts were examined for protein and serologic abnormalities. Hypergammaglobulinemia of the polyclonal type was detected in 40|X%, while elevated levels of IgM and IgG were observed in 80|X% and 37.5%, respectively. Serum complement (B1C) was elevated in 45|X% and depressed in 20|X%. False-positive reactions for the RA latex slide test, the Monospot test, and the febrile agglutinins were frequent. Thirty percent had a positive VDRL with more than half of these proving to be biologic false-positive reactions. Hepatitis-associated antigen was detected in 7.5%. Similar results were obtained from a smaller group of former heroin addicts who were studied simultaneously. Samples of street heroin and a few items of narcotic paraphernalia were cultured. About half failed to grow microorganisms, while various species of Bacillus were isolated from the remainder. It was concluded that the heroin addict represents a model of self-induced antigenic stimulation.