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.
Förster-Waldl
Elisabeth
E
Vienna University Children's Hospital, AKH, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
Cokoja
Lejla
L
Förster
Othmar
O
Maurer
Wolfgang
W
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