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16.3.4: Serologic Tests for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

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    During infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the body produces non-specific heterophile antibodies which are not found in normal serum. As it Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease. Immune complexes become deposited between the dermis and the epidermis, and in joints, blood vessels, glomeruli of the kidneys, and the central nervous system. It is four times more common in women than in men. In SLE, autoantibodies are made against components of DNA. This test is specific for the serum anti-deoxyribonucleoprotein antibodies associated with SLE. The known antigen is deoxyribonucleoprotein adsorbed to latex particles to make the reaction more visible to the eye (see Fig. \(\PageIndex{1}\)). This is a qualitative test used to screen for the presence of the disease and to monitor its course.

    Photograph of a positive qualitative serologic test for SLE showing clumping of the latex particles.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Positive Qualitative Serologic Test for SLE. Clumping of the latex particles indicates the person's serum contains anti-deoxyribonucleoprotein antibodies. ( Copyright; Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D. The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus CC-BY-3.0

    Contributors and Attributions

    • Dr. Gary Kaiser (COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, CATONSVILLE CAMPUS)

    This page titled 16.3.4: Serologic Tests for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Gary Kaiser.