immunoloogiaseroloogia

Immunoloogiaseroloogia, often shortened to serology, is a branch of immunology that studies serum, the clear liquid part of blood that remains after clotting. Specifically, it focuses on the reactions between antigens and antibodies in the serum. These reactions are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions.

The principle behind serological testing is that when the body encounters an antigen, such as a virus or bacterium, it produces specific antibodies in response. These antibodies can then be detected in the serum. By identifying the presence or absence of certain antibodies, or by measuring their levels, clinicians can infer whether an individual has been exposed to a particular pathogen, is currently infected, or has developed immunity.

Common serological tests include ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), Western Blot, and agglutination tests. These methods utilize the specificity of the antibody-antigen interaction to detect and quantify the presence of antibodies or antigens. For example, a test for antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus can indicate past or present infection. Similarly, serological tests can detect autoantibodies, which are antibodies produced against the body's own tissues, a hallmark of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Serology plays a vital role in public health, blood transfusion safety, and clinical diagnostics.