Mannose-binding lectin: comparison of two assays for the quantification of MBL in the serum of pediatric patients.
Individuals with mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-deficiency are at an increased risk from infections with mannose-bearing microorganisms. We have investigated two quantitative research assays for measuring MBL protein in serum for routine diagnosis. The evaluation of 817 serum samples with a nephelometric assay revealed two deficiencies, a number far below the postulated 5-10% of the population. Reevaluation of 102 serum samples with an MBL-ELISA detected low levels in 27 cases (26.4%) and clear deficiencies in 21 samples (20.4%). In our hands, the MBL-ELISA permitted the detection of decreased levels of MBL in serum, as occurs in individuals with homozygous or heterozygous MBL gene mutations; in contrast, the nephelometric assay appeared to be unsuitable for the detection of MBL deficiencies. We support the routine measurement of MBL in serum, especially in children with frequent infections.
Vienna University Children's Hospital, AKH, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
Elisabeth
E
Förster-Waldl
Lejla
L
Cokoja
Othmar
O
Förster
Wolfgang
W
Maurer
D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000097:blood* / Q000172:deficiency; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry
D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin