As used by immunologists, this term refers to IgE antibodies. As used by microbiologists, it refers to antibodies produced in syphilis – probably in response to the tissue damage caused by Treponema pallidum. Production of these antibodies in patients with syphilis has been utilised in the development of the non-treponemal serological tests for syphilis such as the VDRL Test, the RPR Test and the now superceded Wasserman Complement Fixation Test. These tests are useful in that they are only positive in active syphilis but they have many biological false positive reactions, including pregnancy.
Immunologic proteins, usually made from immunoglobulins, that are capable of binding to, and rendering inactive, foreign substances that have entered the skin envelope and have been deemed dangerous. They may be synthesized anew in the presence of a previously encountered substance (antigen); they may be present in small amounts at all times in the bloodstream; or they may be present in the tissues in a more primitive form designed to react to a broad spectrum of potential antigens. The latter may be responsible for some allergies.... antibody
(APS, Hughes syndrome) an autoimmune disease in which the presence of antibodies against phospholipid (see anticardiolipin antibodies; lupus anticoagulant) is associated with a tendency to arterial or venous thrombosis and, in women of childbearing age, to recurrent miscarriage. APS may be primary or occur in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other connective-tissue diseases. Treatment is by low-dose aspirin or heparin.... antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
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