Define “heterophile antibodies”
Definition : Heterophil antibodies related to an antibody circulating in blood serum that is reactive with usually weak antigen originating in a different species.
Some cross-react with self-antigens. For example, in rheumatic fever, antibodies against group A streptococcal cell walls can also react with (and thus damage) human heart tissues. These are considered heterophile antibodies.
In clinical diagnosis, the heterophile antibody test specifically refers to a rapid test for antibodies produced against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis.
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