Serology is the scientific study of serum and other bodily fluids, focusing on the detection of antibodies and antigens in the blood. It is widely used in immunology, infectious disease diagnosis, blood typing, and forensic investigations.
Concepts in Serology
- Antibodies and Antigens
- Antibodies (Immunoglobulins, Ig) are proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances (antigens).
- Antigens are foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins, that trigger an immune response.
- Types of Antibodies
- IgG: Provides long-term immunity.
- IgA: Found in mucosal areas (e.g., respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts).
- IgM: First antibody produced in response to infection.
- IgE: Involved in allergic reactions.
- IgD: Plays a role in initiating B-cell activation.
- Serological Tests
These tests help diagnose infections, autoimmune diseases, and determine blood compatibility. Common methods include: - Agglutination Tests: Detects the clumping of cells or particles due to antigen-antibody reactions.
- Precipitation Tests: Identifies antigen-antibody complexes in solution.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Detects specific antibodies or antigens using enzyme-linked reactions.
- Western Blot: Confirms the presence of specific proteins in a sample.
- Neutralization Tests: Measures the ability of antibodies to neutralize pathogens.
- Fluorescent Antibody Tests: Uses fluorescent dyes to visualize antigen-antibody interactions.
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