Immunological Disorders and Immunotherapy
Open Access

The Role of Antigen Detection Tests in Infectious Disease Diagnosis

Shastri Karttunen^{* *}Correspondence: Shastri Karttunen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, Email:

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Description

Antigen detection is a laboratory technique that is used to identify the presence of specific antigens in biological samples. An antigen is any substance that can be recognized by the immune system and can elicit an immune response. Antigen detection tests are used for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, the monitoring of immune responses, and the detection of specific proteins in cancer cells.

Antigen detection tests work by using specific antibodies that bind to the target antigen. Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance, such as a virus or bacteria. When the antibody binds to the antigen, it forms an antigen-antibody complex that can be detected by a variety of methods [1,2].

One of the most common methods for antigen detection is the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). In an ELISA, the antigen is immobilized on a solid surface, such as a microtiter plate, and then incubated with a specific antibody that is linked to an enzyme. After washing away any unbound antibodies, a substrate is added that reacts with the enzyme to produce a detectable signal, such as a color change [3,4].

Another method for antigen detection is the Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA). In an LFIA, the antigen is conjugated to a colored particle, such as gold or latex, and mixed with a specific antibody. The mixture is then added to a sample, such as blood or urine, and allowed to flow through a porous membrane. If the target antigen is present in the sample, it will bind to the antibody-conjugated particle and form a visible line on the membrane [5,6].

Antigen detection tests are commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose infectious diseases such as influenza, streptococcal pharyngitis, and urinary tract infections. They can also be used to monitor immune responses in patients with autoimmune diseases, cancer, or transplant recipients.

In addition, antigen detection tests are used in research settings to detect specific proteins in cells or tissues. Influenza is a common infectious disease that can be diagnosed using antigen detection tests. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment, and antigen detection tests can provide rapid results, enabling healthcare professionals to quickly prescribe antiviral medication to patients who test positive. Similarly, streptococcal pharyngitis is a bacterial infection that can be diagnosed using antigen detection tests, enabling healthcare professionals to prescribe antibiotics to patients who test positive [7].

Antigen detection tests can also be used to monitor immune responses in patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. These tests can detect the presence of autoantibodies, which are antibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues. Monitoring autoantibody levels can help healthcare professionals track disease progression and adjust treatment accordingly.

In cancer patients, antigen detection tests can be used to detect specific cancer markers, such as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in men with prostate cancer. Similarly, in transplant recipients, antigen detection tests can be used to monitor for the presence of donor-specific antigens, which can indicate the onset of transplant rejection [8,9].

While antigen detection tests have several advantages over other diagnostic methods, such as PCR or culture, they may have lower sensitivity and specificity compared to other methods, particularly for detecting low levels of antigen or different strains of a virus or bacteria. False positives and false negatives can occur with antigen detection tests, leading to incorrect diagnoses or delayed treatment. Therefore, it is important to use antigen detection tests in conjunction with other diagnostic methods for optimal accuracy.

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