PAUL BUNNELL ANTIBODIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Paul Bunnell antibodies, also known as heterophile antibodies, are a type of antibodies that are naturally produced by the immune system in response to certain infections, particularly the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). These antibodies are named after Paul Bunnell, an American physician who first described their presence in patients with infectious mononucleosis in the 1930s.
The presence of Paul Bunnell antibodies is primarily used as a diagnostic tool to confirm the presence of EBV infection in individuals. These antibodies are typically detected through a serological test called the monospot test or the heterophile antibody test. The test involves mixing a small sample of the patient's blood with certain animal erythrocytes. If the patient's blood contains Paul Bunnell antibodies, the antibodies will cause clumping or agglutination of the erythrocytes, indicating a positive result.
Patients with infectious mononucleosis usually have high levels of Paul Bunnell antibodies in their blood, suggesting an ongoing or recent infection with EBV. However, it is important to note that the presence of these antibodies may also occur in other viral infections or even in some non-infectious conditions, which can sometimes lead to false-positive results.
In summary, Paul Bunnell antibodies are specific antibodies that the immune system produces in response to EBV infection. Their presence is used as a diagnostic marker for infectious mononucleosis, assisting physicians in confirming the presence of this viral infection in individuals.
Common Misspellings for PAUL BUNNELL ANTIBODIES
- oaul bunnell antibodies
- laul bunnell antibodies
- -aul bunnell antibodies
- 0aul bunnell antibodies
- pzul bunnell antibodies
- psul bunnell antibodies
- pwul bunnell antibodies
- pqul bunnell antibodies
- payl bunnell antibodies
- pahl bunnell antibodies
- pajl bunnell antibodies
- pail bunnell antibodies
- pa8l bunnell antibodies
- pa7l bunnell antibodies
- pauk bunnell antibodies
- paup bunnell antibodies
- pauo bunnell antibodies
- paul vunnell antibodies
- paul nunnell antibodies
- paul hunnell antibodies
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
