Kerala PSC » Kerala PSC Study Materials » Immunology » Complement fixation

Complement fixation

Complement fixation is a principle very useful in understanding the relationships between different elements in a system. Learn its types and mechanisms.

Complement fixation is an important concept in Indian Constitution, Public Administration, Political System, Governance, Social Justice and International Relations. The complement fixation test principle is used to determine the indirect complement fixation test. This principle is very useful in understanding the relationships between different elements in a system. In this blog post, we will discuss the complement fixation test principle and its applications in various fields. Stay tuned for more!

What is Complement fixation?

Complement fixation is a process in which an antigen combines with an antibody to form a complex. The antigen-antibody combination is also called a hapten. Complement fixation occurs when the complement system, a set of serum proteins that helps destroy bacteria and other foreign objects, becomes activated.

What are the different types of Complement fixation tests?

There are two types of Complement fixation tests- the direct complement fixation test and the indirect complement fixation test.

The direct complement fixation test:

The direct complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies that bind specifically to antigen A on red blood cells. In this test, a serum sample is mixed with red blood cells that have been coated with antigen A. If antibodies are present in the serum sample, they will bind to the antigen on the red blood cells.

The indirect complement fixation test:

The indirect complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies that bind specifically to antigen A on red blood cells. In this test, a serum sample is mixed with red blood cells that have been coated with antigen A. If antibodies are present in the serum sample, they will bind to the antigen on the red blood cells. If complement is also present in the serum sample, it will bind to the antibodies that are bound to the antigen. This will cause the red blood cells to lyse (break down).

What is the principle behind Complement fixation tests?

The principle of the complement fixation test is that when an antibody and an antigen are brought together, they will form a complex. This complex can be detected by adding a substance called Complement which will cause it to clump (or fix) together. If antibodies are present in the serum sample, they will bind to the antigen and form a complex. Complement can then be added to the sample and if Complement clumps (or fixes) to the complex, it indicates that antibodies are present in the serum.

Mechanism of  Complement fixation:

A complement system is a group of proteins found in the blood that helps destroy bacteria and other foreign objects. The complement system consists of more than 30 proteins, which work together to detect and eliminate pathogens and debris. Complement fixation is the process by which these proteins bind to pathogens or debris, leading to their destruction.

There are two main ways in which complement fixation can occur:

– Complement activation: This occurs when the proteins of the complement system are activated by antibodies or antigens. The activated proteins then bind to pathogens or debris, leading to their destruction.

– Complement deposition: This occurs when complement proteins deposit on a surface, such as a pathogen or debris. The proteins then bind to the target, leading to its destruction.

Importance of Complement fixation:

The complement fixation test principle is based on the ability of Complement proteins to fixate (bind) onto a pathogen or antigen. The test is used to detect the presence of these targets in a sample. It involves adding a serum containing Complement proteins to a sample and then looking for the presence of Complement proteins that have bound to the target.

The complement fixation test principle can be used to detect a variety of targets, including bacteria, viruses, and other foreign objects. The test is often used to diagnose infections, such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis.

Complement fixation is a powerful tool for diagnosing infections and other diseases. However, it is important to note that the test is not perfect. false positives can occur if the Complement proteins bind to non-pathogenic targets, such as normal cells or debris. false negatives can occur if the pathogen does not trigger Complement activation,  or if the Complement proteins are not able to bind to the pathogen.

A complement fixation test is a valuable tool for diagnosing infections and other diseases. However, it is important to keep in mind that the test is not perfect. False positives can occur if Complement proteins bind to non-pathogenic targets, such as normal cells or debris. False negatives can occur if the pathogen does not trigger Complement activation, or if the Complement proteins are not able to bind to the pathogen. By understanding how complement fixation works, we can use this information to improve our diagnostic tests and better detect infections and other diseases.

Conclusion

Complement fixation is an interesting cognitive neuroscience principle to consider when increasing product sales online. By providing a relevant and complementary visual stimulus next to your product, you can help customers focus on what they are buying.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Kerala PSC Examination Preparation.

What is Complement fixation?

Ans : Complement fixation is the process by which an antigen binds to antibody molecules on the surface of a lymphoc...Read full

What is the Complement fixation test principle?

Ans: The complement fixation (CF) test is a blood serum assay used to detect the presence of antibodies against spec...Read full

What is the Mechanism of Complement fixation?

Ans : The mechanism of complement fixation is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the binding of anti...Read full