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Walter Fiehn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the clinical significance of measuring different anti dsdna antibodies by using the farr assay an enzyme immunoassay and a Crithidia Luciliae immunofluorescence test
    Lupus, 1992
    Co-Authors: Egon Werle, Marta Blazek, Walter Fiehn
    Abstract:

    Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies are highly specific for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but are heterogeneous in respect to, for example, avidity, class and cross-reactivity. Sera from 2061 patients were measured by three methods: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect immunofluorescence test with Crithidia Luciliae as substrate (CLIF), and the Farr assay, a radioimmunological method based on the ammonium sulfate precipitation of immune complexes. The different anti-dsDNA antibody determinations were evaluated by analysis of patient records. The reason for a reactive Farr assay in 14 patients was predominantly the measurement of antibodies of the IgM class, which are not detected by the ELISA. The detection of additional antibodies to dsDNA of the IgA class, to single-stranded DNA or to histones plays a minor role. In comparison with the Farr assay, we found more positive results with the ELISA, which additionally detects anti-dsDNA antibodies of low avidity. The ELISA might also yield positive values in conditions such as chronic liver diseases, various infections and connective tissue diseases other than SLE. Avoiding the disadvantages of radioactivity, the ELISA is well suited as a screening test for dsDNA antibodies. However, positive results should be confirmed by the CLIF test or preferably by the Farr assay, thus combining sensitivity with specificity.

Danilo Villalta - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus: New-generation immunoassays for measurement of anti-dsDNA antibodies are an effective alternative to the Farr technique and the Crithidia Luciliae immunofluorescence test
    Lupus, 2010
    Co-Authors: Andrés Antico, S. Platzgummer, Danila Bassetti, Renato Tozzoli, Nicola Bizzaro, Danilo Villalta
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of four new enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for anti-double-stranded-DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, in comparison with the Farr assay and the Crithidia Luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIFT). To this purpose, sera from four patient groups were collected: 52 sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 28 from patients with other connective tissue diseases (CTD); 36 from patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; and 24 from those with acute viral infection. All sera were tested for anti-dsDNA antibodies by four EIA methods using a different antigenic DNA source [synthetic oligonucleotide (Method A), circular plasmid (Method B), recombinant (Method C), and purified extracted (Method D)], and by CLIFT and Farr assays. The diagnostic sensitivity of the assays was as follows: 84.6% (Method A), 73% (B), 82.7% (C), 84.6% (D), 55.8% (CLIFT), and 78.8% (Farr). Specificity was 82.9% (A), 97.7% (B), 96.5% (C), 94.3% (D), 96.5% (CLIFT), and 90.9% (Farr). From these data, we can conclude that the new-generation EIA methods evaluated in this study have higher sensitivity than the CLIFT and Farr assays and, with the exception of Method A, have specificity similar to the CLIFT and slightly higher than the Farr assay. These findings suggest that EIA tests may replace CLIFT as a screening test and the Farr assay as a specific test, for anti-dsDNA antibody detection.

Werner Schosler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • high sensitive detection of double stranded dna autoantibodies by a modified Crithidia Luciliae immunofluorescence test
    Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2009
    Co-Authors: Karsten Conrad, A Ittenson, Dirk Reinhold, Richard Fischer, Dirk Roggenbuck, Thomas Buttner, Hanspeter Bosselmann, Jorg Steinbach, Werner Schosler
    Abstract:

    Anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA antibodies are serological markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Of all anti-dsDNA antibody detection methods, the Crithidia Luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) is thought to have the highest specificity for SLE. However, the clinical application is hampered by the low diagnostic sensitivity. A CLIFT with modified assay buffer (mCLIFT) was developed and compared with conventional CLIFT, using sera from 110 patients with SLE, 89 anti-dsDNA ELISA-positive patients with other diseases (non-SLE group A), 157 non-SLE patients with undetectable anti-dsDNA antibodies by ELISA (non-SLE group B), 77 disease controls (non-SLE group C), and 50 healthy blood donors. Out of the 110 anti-dsDNA antibody ELISA-positive SLE patients, 84 (76.4%) demonstrated a positive kinetoplast staining, using the mCLIFT, compared to only 42.3%, using the conventional CLIFT. The diagnostic specificity of mCLIFT was 100% with healthy blood donors and 98.1% with the non-SLE group C (anti-nuclear antibodies negative; no signs or symptoms of an autoimmune disease) included. In the non-SLE groups A and B with various other autoimmune diseases or symptoms of a possible autoimmune disease, positive mCLIFT results were obtained in 33.7% and 3.2%, respectively. In conclusion, by modification of the assay buffer, a significant increase in sensitivity of the CLIFT could be observed while retaining the high specificity for SLE. Further investigation is required to check whether the CLIFT-positive non-SLE patients develop SLE and whether anti-dsDNA antibodies detected by the mCLIFT represent a pathogenetic and diagnostic subgroup of autoantibodies that may improve the early diagnosis of SLE or SLE-overlap syndromes.

Antonella Afeltra - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Clinical Comparison of QUANTA Flash dsDNA Chemiluminescent Immunoassay with Four Current Assays for the Detection of Anti-dsDNA Autoantibodies
    Hindawi Limited, 2015
    Co-Authors: Maria Infantino, Amelia Rigon, Antonella Afeltra, Piercarlo Sarzi-puttini, Francesca Meacci, Chelsea Bentow, Peter Martis, Maurizio Benucci, Fabiola Atzeni, Mariangela Manfredi
    Abstract:

    Introduction. The objective of the present study was to compare QUANTA Flash dsDNA, a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) on the BIO-FLASH, a rapid-response chemiluminescent analyzer, to three other anti-dsDNA antibody assays and to Crithidia Luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT). Methods. In the first part of the study, 161 samples, 61 from patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 100 from a disease control group, were tested by QUANTA Flash dsDNA CIA, QUANTA Lite dsDNA SC ELISA, BioPlex 2200 multiplex flow immunoassay (MFI), ImmuLisa dsDNA ELISA, and NOVA Lite CLIFT. A second cohort of 69 SLE patients was then tested by QUANTA Flash dsDNA and CLIFT to expand the study. Results. The overall qualitative agreements varied between 77.0% (NOVA Lite CLIFT versus QUANTA Lite) and 89.4% (ImmuLisa versus NOVA Lite CLIFT). The clinical sensitivities for the anti-dsDNA antibody tests varied from 8.2% (NOVA Lite CLIFT) to 54.1% (QUANTA Lite), while the clinical specificities varied from 88.0% (BioPlex 2200) to 100.0% (NOVA Lite CLIFT). Good correlation was found between QUANTA Flash dsDNA and NOVA Lite CLIFT. Conclusion. Significant variations among dsDNA methods were observed. QUANTA Flash dsDNA provides a good combination of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of SLE and good agreement to CLIFT

  • the classification of Crithidia Luciliae immunofluorescence test clift using a novel automated system
    Arthritis Research & Therapy, 2014
    Co-Authors: F Buzzulini, Amelia Rigon, Paolo Soda, Leonardo Onofri, Maria Infantino, L Arcarese, Giulio Iannello, Antonella Afeltra
    Abstract:

    Introduction In recent years, there has been an increased demand for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tools to support clinicians in the field of indirect immunofluorescence. To this aim, academic and industrial research is focusing on detecting antinuclear, anti-neutrophil, and anti-double-stranded (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Within this framework, we present a CAD system for automatic analysis of dsDNA antibody images using a multi-step classification approach. The final classification of a well is based on the classification of all its images, and each image is classified on the basis of the labeling of its cells.

Maria Cristina Pizzimenti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • inmunofluorescencia con Crithidia Luciliae para la deteccion de anticuerpos anti adn imagenes atipicas y su relacion con enfermedad de chagas y leishmaniasis
    Medicina-buenos Aires, 2006
    Co-Authors: Gloria Griemberg, Emilio L Malchiodi, Nidia F Ferrarotti, Graciela Svibel, Maria R Ravelli, Nestor J Taranto, Maria Cristina Pizzimenti
    Abstract:

    Immunofluorescence assay with Crithidia Luciliae for the detection of anti-DNA antibodies. Atypical images and their relationship with Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis. Anti-native DNA antibodies can be detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay with Crithidia Luciliae, displaying an annular image due to a kinetoplast containing double stranded DNA. Other structures such as membrane, flagellum and basal corpuscle can be stained as well, showing what is called atypical fluorescent images. As C. Luciliae belongs to the Trypanosomatidae family, which include the human pathogens Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., it was considered that these atypical images could be caused by cross-reactions. Serological studies for Chagas' disease were performed in 105 serum samples displaying atypical images. Sixty four percent of the samples from non endemic and 78.3% from endemic areas for Chagas' disease showed fluorescence in both, membrane and flagellum (joint image). Fifty samples from normal blood donors and 57 samples from patients with conective tissue diseases were tested with C. Luciliae. None of them presented the joint image except for two patients with lupus who were also chagasic. In addition, 54 samples from chagasic patients were studied and all of them presented the joint image. We also studied 46 samples from patients with leishmaniasis from whom 28 were co- infected with T. cruzi. The joint image was observed in 88.0% of the samples with leishmaniasis and in 89.3% of the co-infected samples. The results suggest that C. Luciliae could be used as an economical, and of low risk, alternative substrate for the serological diagnosis of Chagas' disease, even though it does not discriminate for Leishmania spp. infection. This study also suggests that whenever atypical images are observed in C. Luciliae during the search for anti-DNA antibodies, it would be convenient to submit the patient to clinical and serological tests for the diagnosis of leishmaniosis and Chagas' disease.

  • Inmunofluorescencia con Crithidia Luciliae para la detección de anticuerpos anti-ADN: Imágenes atípicas y su relación con enfermedad de Chagas y leishmaniasis Immunofluorescence assay with Crithidia Luciliae for the detection of anti-DNA antibodies: Atypical images and their relationship with Chagas’ disease and leishmaniasis
    Fundación Revista Medicina, 2006
    Co-Authors: Gloria Griemberg, Emilio L Malchiodi, Nidia F Ferrarotti, Graciela Svibel, Maria R Ravelli, Nestor J Taranto, Maria Cristina Pizzimenti
    Abstract:

    Los anticuerpos anti-ADN nativo pueden detectarse por inmunofluorescencia indirecta con Crithidia Luciliae, observándose tinción fluorescente anular del kinetoplasto que contiene ADN de doble cadena. En algunos casos pueden observarse imágenes fluorescentes en flagelo, membrana y corpúsculo basal, consideradas atípicas. Como C. Luciliae pertenece a la familia Trypanosomatidae, que incluye patógenos para el hombre como Trypanosoma cruzi y Leishmaniaspp., se consideró que las imágenes atípicas pudieran deberse a reacciones cruzadas. Se realizaron estudios serológicos para Chagas a 105 muestras provenientes de zona endémica (Corrientes) y no endémica (Buenos Aires) para T. cruzi que presentaban imágenes atípicas con C. Luciliae. La serología para Chagas resultó positiva en el 64.7% de las muestras de Buenos Aires y en el 78.3% de las de Corrientes que presentaban frente a C. Luciliae imagen conjunta de membrana y flagelo. No presentaron la imagen conjunta ninguna de las muestras de dadores de sangre normales, ni de pacientes con enfermedades del tejido conectivo, excepto dos con lupus que también eran chagásicos. Todas las muestras de pacientes chagásicos analizadas frente a C. Luciliae presentaron la imagen conjunta. Se estudiaron también 46 muestras de pacientes con leishmaniasis, 28 de ellos coinfectados con T. cruzi. La imagen conjunta se observó en el 88.0% de las muestras de leishmaniásicos y en el 78.5% de las de coinfectados. Los resultados sugieren que C. Luciliae podría ser un sustrato alternativo, económico y de bajo riesgo para el diagnóstico serológico de enfermedad de Chagas, aunque no discrimina la infección por Leishmania. El hallazgo de la imagen conjunta en la detección de anti-ADN nativo señala la conveniencia de realizar en esos pacientes, estudios clínicos y de laboratorio para enfermedad de Chagas y leishmaniasis.Anti-native DNA antibodies can be detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay with Crithidia Luciliae, displaying an annular image due to a kinetoplast containing double stranded DNA. Other structures such as membrane, flagellum and basal corpuscle can be stained as well, showing what is called atypical fluorescent images. As C. Luciliae belongs to the Trypanosomatidae family, which include the human pathogens Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., it was considered that these atypical images could be caused by cross-reactions. Serological studies for Chagas’ disease were performed in 105 serum samples displaying atypical images. Sixty four percent of the samples from non endemic and 78.3% from endemic areas for Chagas’ disease showed fluorescence in both, membrane and flagellum (joint image). Fifty samples from normal blood donors and 57 samples from patients with conective tissue diseases were tested with C. Luciliae. None of them presented the joint image except for two patients with lupus who were also chagasic. In addition, 54 samples from chagasic patients were studied and all of them presented the joint image. We also studied 46 samples from patients with leishmaniasis from whom 28 were co-infected with T. cruzi. The joint image was observed in 88.0% of the samples with leishmaniasis and in 89.3% of the co-infected samples. The results suggest that C. Luciliae could be used as an economical, and of low risk, alternative substrate for the serological diagnosis of Chagas’ disease, even though it does not discriminate for Leishmania spp. infection. This study also suggests that whenever atypical images are observed in C. Luciliae during the search for anti-DNA antibodies, it would be convenient to submit the patient to clinical and serological tests for the diagnosis of leishmaniosis and Chagas’ disease