Pneumococcal serotype specific antibodies

General Information

Antibodies to 13 pneumococcal specific serotypes are measured. This test is used in the diagnosis of Primary Immune deficiency. This test should be requested for patients who have clincial history of recurrent infections and/or evidence of bronchiectasis. 11/13 serotypes tested are contained in the childhood conjugated pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar13 (introduced in 2010). Protective levels of these show satisfactory response to the T cell dependent antibody production pathway. All 13 serotypes are contained in the unconjugated vaccine Pneumovax. Protective response to Pneumovax infers normal funcioning of the T-independent antibody production pathway. Patients should have this test done in the following clinical circumstances: a) Patients, especially children, with recurrent bacterial sepsis; particularly of the upper and lower respiratory tract. b) Patients with invasive disease caused by encapsulated organisms.c) Patients with selective antibody deficiency states d) To assess Immunological reconstitution following Bone Marrow Transplant.e) Patients with haemoglobinopathies or who have had a splenectomy should have their levels of antibodies to encapsulated bacteria (i.e. pneumoccocal & Hib) monitored.