Pneumococcal Antibodies (Functional Antibodies)

Immunology

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Description

A patient may have normal levels of serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses but still be unable to respond to the polysaccharide capsules of pathogens such as pneumococcus, even after vaccination. Specific antibody responses should be measured against a panel of protein and carbohydrate antigens. Protein antigens include tetanus and diphtheria toxoid and polysaccharide antigens include pneumococcus and haemophilus influenzae Type B. Investigation of specific antibody responses is useful in the assessment of patients with recurrent bacterial sepsis, invasive bacterial disease and putative immune defects. They can also be useful in assessing immune reconstitution post bone marrow transplant, asplenic patients and assessment of protective antibody levels as an indication for re-vaccination.

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Indications

Immunodeficiency and vaccine responses.

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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

Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide:>30 U/mL unlikely to require re-vaccination. Reference range established in-house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 15 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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References

Wood P. Primary antibody deficiency syndromes. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry. 2009. 46:99-108.
Hazlewood M, et al. The acquisition of anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide Haemophilus influenzae type b and tetanus toxoid antibodies, with age, in the UK. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 2008. 93( 2 ):157-164.
Jeurissen A, et al. Laboratory diagnosis of specific antibody deficiency to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide antigens. Clin Chem. 2007. 53( 3 ):505-510.
Paris K, Sorensen RU. Assessment and clinical interpretation of polysaccharide antibody responses. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007. 99( 5 ):462-464.
Balmer P, Cant AJ, Borrow R. Anti-pneumococcal antibody titre measurement: what useful information does it yield? J. Clin. Path. 2007. 60:345-350.
Schauer U, et al. Levels of antibodies specific to tetanus toxoid, haemophilus influenzae type b, and pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide in healthy children and adults. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology. 2003. 10( 2 ):202-207.

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See Also

Tetanus antibodies; Diphtheria antibodies; Haemophilus influenzae type B antibodies

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.