The relevance of immune reactions in acute favism

In fava bean extracts the proteins were separated and characterized by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 columns, cellogel electrophoresis and analytical ultracentrifugation. The dried extract and its chromatographic fractions were used to detect serum antibodies to fava beans by passive haemagglutination tests. 75 patients affected by acute favism were studied by this method. Haemagglutination tests were positive in 5 patients (6.6%) at the onset of the haemolytic crisis but a rapid fall of the titres was observed in the subsequent days. β_1C/β_1A and immunoglobulin levels showed no significant changes. Our results do not support the view that hypersensitivity to fava bean may be involved in the haemolysis of acute favism.