IDIOAGGLUTININ Meaning and
Definition
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Idioagglutinin is a term used in immunology and hematology to describe an autoantibody that causes the clumping or agglutination of an individual's own red blood cells. It is derived from the combination of two terms; "idio," which means self or one's own, and "agglutinin," which refers to an antibody that causes particles or cells to stick or clump together.
These autoantibodies are produced by an individual's immune system against their own red blood cells, leading to the formation of immune complexes. Idioagglutinins bind to specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells, resulting in the aggregation or clumping of these cells. This clumping phenomenon can interfere with the normal flow and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to various clinical manifestations.
Idioagglutinins can be either IgM or IgG antibodies. IgM idioagglutinins tend to occur in cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where they cause agglutination of red blood cells at lower temperatures, typically below body temperature. IgG idioagglutinins are associated with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, characterized by agglutination at higher temperatures.
Idioagglutinins can be detected through laboratory tests, such as direct Coombs' test or indirect Coombs' test. Treatment options for diseases caused by idioagglutinins may include immunosuppressive medications, blood transfusions, or the removal of the spleen (splenectomy), in severe cases.
Understanding the nature and behavior of idioagglutinins contributes to the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hemolytic anemias and various other
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An agglutinin normally present in the blood and not formed in response to the injection of an antigen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IDIOAGGLUTININ
- udioagglutinin
- jdioagglutinin
- kdioagglutinin
- odioagglutinin
- 9dioagglutinin
- 8dioagglutinin
- ixioagglutinin
- icioagglutinin
- ifioagglutinin
- irioagglutinin
- ieioagglutinin
- iduoagglutinin
- idjoagglutinin
- idkoagglutinin
- idooagglutinin
- id9oagglutinin
- id8oagglutinin
- idiiagglutinin
- idikagglutinin
- idilagglutinin
Etymology of IDIOAGGLUTININ
The word "idioagglutinin" is derived from two main components:
1. "Idio-": This prefix comes from the Greek word "idios", meaning "one's own" or "peculiar". In medical terminology, "idio-" is often used to refer to something individual or specific to a person.
2. "Agglutinin": This term originates from Latin and combines the prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "towards") with the word "glutinare" (meaning "to glue"). Thus, "agglutinin" refers to a substance that causes clumping or aggregation, particularly referring to blood cells.
Therefore, the word "idioagglutinin" suggests a substance that causes aggregation or clumping, specific to an individual.
