Basal Ganglia Antibodies

Immunology

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Description

Anti-basal ganglia antibodies (ABGA) are a type of anti-neuronal autoantibody to the basal ganglia in the brain. They are associated with the development of movement disorders such as dystonia and tics [2]. ABGA have been shown to be present in children with psychiatric disturbances following streptococcal infections. These conditions include Sydenham's chorea and PANDAS syndrome (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus infections) [1,2]. They have also been linked to Tourette's syndrome in adults [3].

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Indications

Movement disorders. Post streptococcal psychiatric disturbances in children.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal is Negative.

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Turnaround Time

Within 3 weeks

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Testing Frequency

3 Weeks (Send away test)

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References

Basheer SN, Wadsworth LD, Bjornson BH. Anti-basal ganglia antibodies and acute movement disorder following herpes zoster and streptococcal infections. Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society. 2007. 11(2):104-107. [Ref 1]Church AJ, Dale RC, Giovannoni G. Anti-basal ganglia antibodies: a possible diagnostic utility in idiopathic movement disorders? Arc. Dis. Child. 2004. 89:611-614. [Ref 2]Edwards MJ, et al. A dystonic syndrome associated with anti-basal ganglia antibodies. J Neurol, Neurosurg, Psych. 2004. 75:914-916. [Ref 3]

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