Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide (PCP) Assays

Carbohydrate antigens, such as Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide (PCP) antigen present on Streptococcus pneumoniae, produce a thymus independent response predominantly of IgG2 subclass.

Recurrent respiratory infections, particularly in children, may often be associated with IgG2 deficiency or functional inactivity.

Microwells are coated with Pneumovax™ vaccine containing 23 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1-5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F and 33F (Danish nomenclature). These serotypes represent approximately 80% of commonly found virulent serotypes.

In approximately 30% of individuals the response to vaccination is attributable to C-polysaccharide (CPS) antibodies and not to specific anti-PCP antibodies. These C-polysaccharide antibodies confer limited protection against pneumococcal infection and therefore Binding Site assays incorporate CPS antibody absorption to remove them from the sample prior to testing.

Kits are available to measure the specific IgG or IgG2 levels in serum.

PCP Measuring Range (mg/L) Analytical Sensitivity (mg/L)
IgG 3.3 - 270 0.62
IgG2 1.1 - 90 0.45
Description Pack Code
VaccZyme™ PCP IgG* 96 tests MK012
PCP IgG2** 96 tests MK013

* Please enquire regarding FDA status

** Research use only

 

Pneumovax™ is a trademark of Merck & Co, Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA.

VaccZyme™ is a trademark of The Binding Site Ltd, Birmingham, UK