Open AccessUtility of immunofluorescence in dermatology
Author(s) -
Varsha M Shetty,
Kumudhini Subramaniam,
Raghavendra Rao
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
indian dermatology online journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-5673
pISSN - 2229-5178
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5178.198774
Subject(s) - medicine , immunofluorescence , dermatology , immunology , pemphigus , indirect immunofluorescence , titer , antibody , direct fluorescent antibody
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.