Development of a highly sensitive latex reagent directed against C-reactive protein (CRP) using epitope analysis with monoclonal antibodies.

C-Reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that increases during systemic inflammation and is currently one of the most frequently studied inflammatory markers in epidemiology. We have determined CRP concentration using novel latex reagent with polyclonal antibody. In the present study, we determined the concentration of CRP using monoclonal antibodies, and evaluated the interaction of antigen-antibody reactive sites and latex agglutination to detect low CRP concentrations. We developed four novel monoclonal antibodies that we classified into two major groups, and that were used to prepare the latex reagents. The latex reagents prepared using a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies for different epitopes appeared highly sensitive. The lower limit of CRP detection, which was defined using the mean 3 SD method, was calculated to be 5 ng/ml for the latex reagents when oligoclonal antibodies were utilized. Furthermore, the latex reagents were found to react specifically with CRP in clinical samples.

Endoscope images of Schönlein-Henoch purpura.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Schönlein-Henoch purpura (SHP) is a systemic condition characterized by purpura associated with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. SHP diagnosis is more difficult in infrequent cases where gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms precede purpura. This report examines 11 cases of SHP at our hospital with specific regard to the incidences and details of GI symptoms. METHODS: The clinical manifestations and endoscopic findings were investigated for their utility in SHP diagnosis. RESULTS: Among the 11 cases, 3 showed GI symptoms prior to other manifestations. In terms of GI symptoms, abdominal pain was reported in all 11 cases, diarrhea in 4 cases, and bloody stools in 3 cases. Endoscopic findings were seen in the stomach in 7/10 cases, in the small intestine including the duodenum in 10/11 cases, and in the large intestine in 6/10 cases. The frequency of ulcer formation was significantly higher in the small intestine (including the duodenum) than in the stomach. Multiple specific erythematosus lesions were observed in the stomach and large intestine. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with characteristic endoscopic findings and careful observation of all GI findings are essential for diagnosing SHP in cases in which GI tract symptoms precede cutaneous findings.