[Properties and efficacy of a human immunoglobulin M preparation for intravenous administration].

From Cohn fraction III a new immunoglobulin (Ig) preparation (Pentaglobin) was prepared. This preparation contains 72% IgG and is enriched in IgM (12%) and IgA (16%). Due to a treatment with beta-propiolactone it is suitable for intravenous application. This IgM-enriched immunoglobulin preparation is prominent in high antibody titers (passive hemagglutination) against gram-negative as well as gram-positive germs and shows significantly higher efficacy in mouse protection tests than intravenous standard IgG. The high IgM content of this preparation in particular is responsible for the binding of bacterial antigens. Thus a marked advancement in the treatment of bacterial infections is to be expected by this new intravenously tolerable immunoglobulin preparation.