Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifaceted autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of a variety of circulating autoantibodies.

Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations occur in a significant number of SLE patients and elicit behavioural abnormalities resembling schizophrenia. However, there is no single test, that can detect CNS manifestations of lupus with consistent sensitivity and specificity.

There is an association between cerebral lupus and cytotoxic antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid against a neuroblastoma cell line. In patients with psychotic SLE, a group of autoantibodies is targeted against the ribosomal phosphoproteins, called P0 (38kD), P1 (19kD) and P2 (17kD). Preceding the onset of psychotic episodes in patients, a selective elevation of anti-ribosome P antibodies has been observed.

Anti-Ribosome P antibody reactions are difficult to recognise by IFA but can be detected by BlueDot. The BlueDot anti-Ribosome P assays offer the investigator valuable additional parameters and insight into CNS involvement in episodes of collagen-vascular disorders.

D-tek BlueDot - Immunodot