Antikörpertiters

Antikörpertiters, often shortened to titer, refers to the quantity or concentration of specific antibodies present in a person's or animal's serum. This measurement is crucial in immunology and medicine for various diagnostic and monitoring purposes. A titer is typically determined through a process called serological testing, where a sample of blood serum is analyzed.

The testing usually involves serial dilutions of the serum. For instance, a 1:10 dilution means one part serum is mixed with nine parts diluent. The diluted serum is then tested for its ability to bind to a specific antigen. The highest dilution that still shows a detectable reaction, such as the presence of antigen-antibody complexes or a specific color change, is considered the antibody titer. A higher titer indicates a greater concentration of antibodies in the original serum sample.

Antibody titers are commonly used to assess an individual's immune status against infectious diseases. For example, a high titer of antibodies against a particular virus might suggest a recent infection or successful vaccination, conferring immunity. Conversely, a low or absent titer could indicate susceptibility. Titer levels are also monitored during treatment for certain autoimmune diseases to gauge the effectiveness of therapies aimed at reducing antibody production. Furthermore, in research, antibody titers are used to study immune responses and the efficacy of vaccines.