Utility of immunofluorescence in dermatology

Immunofluorescence (IF) tests have redefined our understanding of many immune-mediated skin diseases, especially autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs). Nomenclature of certain AIBDs (for example, linear IgA diseases and IgA pemphigus) has been done based solely on the finding of tissue-bound immuno...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Varsha M Shetty, Kumudhini Subramaniam, Raghavendra Rao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
Series:Indian Dermatology Online Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.idoj.in/article.asp?issn=2229-5178;year=2017;volume=8;issue=1;spage=1;epage=8;aulast=Shetty
Description
Summary:Immunofluorescence (IF) tests have redefined our understanding of many immune-mediated skin diseases, especially autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs). Nomenclature of certain AIBDs (for example, linear IgA diseases and IgA pemphigus) has been done based solely on the finding of tissue-bound immunoreactants as detected by IF tests. Direct and indirect are the two major types of IF tests; they are not only useful in the diagnosis but also guide the clinician in the treatment at least in certain AIBDs, as the titer of circulating antibodies as detected by IF reflects the disease activity. In this review, we describe techniques, various types of IF, and its modification.
ISSN:2229-5178