Antibody testing in XXXX -quo vadis?

@entity1 @entity57 @entity2381 @entity56 @entity3 @entity1030
UNASSIGNED: @entity1 are constantly exposed to airborne Aspergillus spores. Most develop Aspergillus-specific antibodies by adulthood. @entity1 with @entity1030 or Aspergillus airway colonization often have raised levels of Aspergillus-specific immunoglobululin G (IgG). It is not known whether this signifies an increased risk of future @entity2381 . Chronic and allergic forms of @entity57 are estimated to affect over three million people worldwide. Antibody testing is central to diagnosis of these conditions, with raised Aspergillus-specific IgG in chronic @entity57 and raised Aspergillus-specific IgE in @entity56 . Antibody levels are also used to monitor treatment response in these syndromes. Acute @entity3 is less common. There is a more limited role for antibody testing in this setting as immunosuppression often results in delayed or absent antibody response. Many methods exist to detect Aspergillus-specific antibodies, but there are limited published data regarding comparative efficacy and reproducibility. We discuss the comparative merits of the available tests in the various clinical settings and their suitability for use in the resource-poor settings where the majority of cases of @entity2381 are thought to occur. We summarize the gaps in existing knowledge and opportunities for further study that could allow optimal use of antibody testing in this field.
