Opinion - (2024) Volume 10, Issue 5
Received: 01-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. IPBM-24-21801; Editor assigned: 03-Oct-2024, Pre QC No. IPBM-24-21801 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Oct-2024, QC No. IPBM-24-21801; Revised: 22-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. IPBM-24-21801 (R); Published: 29-Oct-2024, DOI: 10.36648/2472-1646.10.5.50
Serological markers are proteins, antigens, or other substances found in the blood that are used to identify the presence of infection, immune responses, or various diseases. They play a crucial role in diagnostic medicine, offering non-invasive and highly effective means for detecting conditions ranging from viral infections to autoimmune diseases and cancers. Their importance spans multiple medical fields, including immunology, virology, oncology, and microbiology. In this article, we will explore the different types of serological markers, their uses, methods of detection, and their clinical relevance in modern healthcare. Infectious disease markers are used to detect the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that cause disease. They help in both diagnosing active infections and determining previous exposure to pathogens. Hepatitis B and C Markers: Hepatitis infections can be detected by serological markers such as Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti- HBs), Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV), and Hepatitis C RNA. These markers are indicate different stages of infection and help assess the need for treatment. The primary marker for HIV is the HIV antibody test (anti-HIV), along with the HIV p24 antigen, which is detected early during infection. These tests are critical for diagnosing and managing HIV infection.
For syphilis, common serological markers include Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay (TPHA), which help detect active and past infections. QuantiFERON-TB Gold is a modern serological test used to detect latent tuberculosis by measuring interferon-gamma release in response to TB antigens. Autoimmune diseases arise when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Detecting these diseases relies on specific serological markers that are indicative of immune activity. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are commonly used serological markers for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies are used to detect lupus, an autoimmune condition that affects multiple organs. The presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies serve as markers for diagnosing autoimmune thyroid disease. Anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies are used as markers to diagnose celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine in response to gluten. Serological markers are increasingly used in oncology to screen for cancer, assess prognosis, and monitor treatment which are effectiveness. PSA is a well-known marker used for screening prostate cancer and monitoring treatment outcomes. AFP is used to diagnose and monitor liver cancers and germ cell tumors.
CEA is used as a marker for colorectal cancer and certain other types of malignancies such as breast and lung cancer. CA-125 is often elevated in ovarian cancer and can be used for both diagnosis and monitoring the disease progression. The detection of serological markers involves various laboratory techniques, each with specific advantages and limitations. ELISA is one of the most widely used methods to detect serological markers. It involves coating a plate with an antigen (or antibody) and then detecting specific antibodies (or antigens) in the patient’s serum using enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies. A color change indicates a positive result. Western blotting is used to confirm the presence of specific proteins (such as viral antigens) in a patient’s serum.
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The author’s declared that they have no conflict of interest.
Citation: Gelber J (2024) The Role of Serological Markers in Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring. J Biomark J. 10:50.
Copyright: © 2024 Gelber J. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
