Objective: To evaluate three methods of detecting anti-aquaporin 4(AQP4) antibody in neuromyelitis optical(NMO), including indirect immunofluorescence assay organization (IIF), cell immunofluorescence method (CBA) and ELISA.
Methods: The patients were divided into NMO group (n = 29), multiple sclerosis (MS) group (n = 23), and healthy controls group (n = 50). IIF, CBA and ELISA were used in 3 groups to detect serum anti-AQP4 antibody. The sensitivity and specificity as well as the consistency of positive results were compared.
Results: In the aspect of the sensitivity of the three anti-AQP4 antibody to diagnosis NMO, CBA (72.4%) > IIF (62.1%) > ELISA (51.7%); in the aspect of specificity, CBA (100.0%) > ELISA (98.6%) > IIF (97.3%). Kappa testing and evaluation method showed that the three detection methods were all in good consistency, particular in CBA and ELISA (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: CBA method showed a highest specificity and sensitivity in all these three anti-AQP4 antibody detection methods. CBA and ELISA are in better consistency of positive results.