Patent ID: 7452731
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: A61K,A61P,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for determining the risk of an individual of suffering from inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin function; comprising: (a) determining the level of fragmentation of immunoglobulins, or modification of Fc function of immunoglobulins whereby the Fc region is no longer capable of being recognized, in a blood sample taken from the individual using an antibody sorbent or antibody sorbents; (b) comparing the level of fragmentation or modification with a blood sample taken from a healthy individual or an individual suffering from inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin function, wherein said level of fragmentation or modification is determined using an antibody sorbent or antibody sorbents; and c) determining thereby the risk of inflammation, impaired immune response or opportunistic infection; wherein an increased level of fragmentation or modification in the sample from the individual whose risk of inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin function is being determined, compared to the sample from a healthy individual is associated with an increased risk, and a substantially similar level of fragmentation or modification in the sample from the individual whose risk of inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin function is being determined compared to the sample from an individual suffering from inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin function is associated with an increased risk.