What Is Heterophilic Antibody Interference?

Heterophilic antibodies are poorly defined human antibodies that cause interference by noncompetitive binding mostly to the Fc region of assay antibodies; however, instances of heterophilic antibody binding to other parts of the assay antibody (e.g., idiotope or the “hinge” region) have also been reported.

What does Heterophile antibody detected mean?

A positive test indicates the presence of heterophile antibodies. This result, alongside a patient's symptoms, are used to make a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. A negative test may indicate that a patient does not have infectious mononucleosis.

Why are heterophile antibodies produced?

Heterophile antibodies are produced in response to antigens produced during EBV IM (EBV heterophile antigens or Paul–Bunnell antigens) or as a result of serum sickness (type III hypersensitivity reaction caused by proteins present in certain medications) or rheumatoid factors (non-EBV heterophile antigens or Forssman ...