Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
Immunological Tests: Oligoclonal Bands and Autoimmune Disorders
CSF immunological tests help diagnose autoimmune disorders by detecting oligoclonal bands and other biomarkers crucial for conditions like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: Immunological Tests for Oligoclonal Bands and Autoimmune Disorders
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis plays a critical role in diagnosing neurological conditions, particularly autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Immunological tests such as oligoclonal band detection provide insights into disease pathology.
Oligoclonal Bands in CSF
Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are immunoglobulin G (IgG) bands detected via electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing. The presence of OCBs in CSF but not serum suggests intrathecal synthesis of antibodies, commonly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory disorders.
Autoimmune Disorders and CSF Immunological Markers
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Characterized by OCB presence and elevated CSF IgG index.
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO): Distinguished from MS by AQP4-IgG antibodies in serum.
- Lupus Cerebritis: Associated with elevated anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) and CSF immune markers.
Clinical Relevance and Diagnostic Approach
CSF analysis provides a critical diagnostic tool for neurologists. Combined with MRI and serum tests, immunological CSF tests improve the precision of autoimmune disorder diagnoses.
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