 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
|
Document Details : Title: Evaluation of the immune response to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides Author(s): JEURISSEN A, BOUDEWIJN M, PROESMANS M, CEUPPENS JL, DE BOECK K, BOSSUYT X Journal: Acta Clinica Belgica Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Date: 2003 Pages: 89-93 DOI: 10.2143/ACB.58.2.1002734 Abstract : Antibody deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency. In 5% to 10% of the patients with recurrent infections that are evaluated for immunodeficiency, a specific deficiency in the immune response to capsular polysaccharides can be found. Patients with recurrent infections should therefore be tested for their capacity to produce antibodies against anti-capsular polysaccharides. As a clinical test, specific antibody levels are measured before and 14 days after immunization with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. In this article we describe the indications, the method used to measure antibodies to capsular pneumococcal polysaccharide and the way the results have to be interpreted. |
