Titre

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This template is used to create an infobox for a medical term, providing a quick overview of key information related to the term. It is typically placed at the top of an article about a medical condition or term.

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{{Infobox medical term | name = Example Disease | image = Example.jpg | image_size = 250px | alt = An example image | caption = Example image of the disease | pronunciation = /ɪɡˈzæmpəl dɪˈziːz/ | specialty = [[Infectious disease]] | symptoms = Fever, cough, fatigue | complications = Pneumonia, respiratory failure | onset = Sudden | duration = 1-2 weeks | causes = [[Virus]] | risks = [[Smoking]], [[Chronic illness]] | diagnosis = [[Blood test]], [[X-ray]] | differential = [[Common cold]], [[Influenza]] | prevention = [[Vaccination]], [[Hand washing]] | treatment = [[Antiviral drug]], [[Rest]] | medication = [[Oseltamivir]] | prognosis = Generally good with treatment | frequency = 1 in 1000 annually | deaths = Rare }}

See also[edit source]

References[edit source]


Titre (or Titer) is a term used in immunology and microbiology to describe the concentration of a substance in a solution, typically referring to the concentration of antibodies or antigens in the blood. The titre is determined by performing a series of dilutions and is expressed as the inverse of the greatest dilution that still gives a positive result.

Overview[edit | edit source]

In medical and scientific contexts, the titre is a crucial measurement used to assess the strength of an immune response or the presence of a particular substance. It is commonly used in serology to determine the concentration of antibodies in a patient's serum, which can indicate past or present infection, immunity, or exposure to a particular pathogen.

Measurement[edit | edit source]

The process of determining a titre involves serial dilution of a sample, such as blood serum, and testing each dilution for the presence of the target substance. The highest dilution that still produces a detectable reaction is considered the titre. For example, if a serum sample is diluted 1:256 and still shows a positive reaction, but a 1:512 dilution does not, the titre is said to be 1:256.

Applications[edit | edit source]

In Immunology[edit | edit source]

In immunology, titres are used to measure the concentration of antibodies against specific antigens. This is important for:

  • Diagnosing infections: High titres of specific antibodies can indicate an active or recent infection.
  • Determining immunity: Titres can assess whether a person has immunity to a disease, either from vaccination or previous infection.
  • Monitoring autoimmune diseases: In conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, titres of autoantibodies can be used to monitor disease activity.

In Microbiology[edit | edit source]

In microbiology, titres can refer to the concentration of viruses or bacteria in a sample. This is important for:

  • Quantifying viral load: In diseases like HIV or hepatitis, viral titres can help assess the severity of infection and response to treatment.
  • Vaccine development: Determining the concentration of virus needed to elicit an immune response is crucial in vaccine research.

Interpretation[edit | edit source]

The interpretation of a titre depends on the context and the specific test being used. A high titre may indicate a strong immune response, while a low titre might suggest a weak or absent response. However, the clinical significance of a titre must be considered alongside other clinical findings and diagnostic tests.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While titres provide valuable information, they have limitations:

  • Variability: Different laboratories may use different methods, leading to variability in results.
  • Cross-reactivity: Antibodies may react with similar antigens, leading to false positives.
  • Timing: The timing of sample collection can affect titres, as antibody levels change over time.

Also see[edit | edit source]





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