Immune Status Immune Response


The immune system is composed of a variety of different cell types and proteins. Each of these perform a special task aimed at recognising or reacting against foreign material such as bacteria, viruses, pollen and transplanted organs. Failure to produce the appropriate immune response to foreign bodies is an important indicator of immunodeficiency and may result in recurrent and persistent infections.


Primary Immunodeficiency Disease


There are over 160 primary immunodeficiency (PID) diseases, some of which are more common than others, but all result from a defect in the normal immune system. Most are genetic, which sometimes do not become apparent until adulthood. Though awareness of PID is increasing worldwide, they are usually only detected after the individual has experienced recurrent infections or prolonged illness which may or may not lead to permanent organ damage. Early diagnosis of PID and access to the appropriate treatment is therefore essential if long term illness and disability is to be prevented.


The most common group of PIDs are primary antibody deficiencies and they can present at any age.


Typical clinical signs include: • recurrent bacterial infections • unexplained failure of an infant to thrive • infections requiring prolonged or intravenous antibiotic therapy


• recurring infections at more than one site on the body


Often the symptoms are treated yet the underlying cause of antibody deficiency is not discovered. Diagnostic Protocols


Diagnostic protocols for PID are now being generated through a number of campaigns involving opinion leaders, clinicians, patient groups and commercial companies such as Binding Site who are committed to their involvement in this field. These diagnostic guidelines are multi-stage protocols which are based on expert opinions. As the immune system is still developing in young children it is essential that age related normal ranges are used in the interpretation of results. The diagnostic protocol starts with the clinical presentation of the patient and, depending on this, provides a guide through the initial diagnosis leading to the differential diagnosis of deficiencies in the humoral, cellular and phagocytic defences of the immune system.


Binding Site has created a PID pocket guide (MKG423.3) which outlines the details of the diagnostic protocol.


Request your free copy now!


Tests included in the diagnostic protocols for PID are immunoglobulin levels, including IgG subclasses, specific antibody responses following immunisation with appropriate vaccines, and functional complement screening assays. All of these assays are available from Binding Site and are listed over the following pages.


More information about the clinical aspects of PID and diagnostic protocols can be found by visiting specific websites such as: • www.esid.org • www.usidnet.org • www.info4pi.org • www.ipopi.org


They have been set up by organisations dedicated to Primary Immunodeficiency – the diagnosis, treatment and patient care.


Quality Assurance Schemes


As part of our ongoing commitment to the supply of high quality products, Binding Site participates in several external Quality Assurance schemes. We also provide our own QA scheme which is confidential and available worldwide with submission of results now available on-line. For further information please see page 24.


The ‘Diagnosis of Immune System Disorders’ poster systematically illustrates the protocol to be performed for the diagnosis of immune system disorders - especially immunodeficiencies.


Download your free copy now!


16


More information at: www.bindingsite.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28