Abstract: Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a BP180NC16a-ELISA in the initial serodiagnosis of bullous pemphigoid(BP). Methods Sera from BP patients(n-42)and control subjects (healthy controls, n=24; pemphigus, n=18)were assayed by BP180-NC16a ELISA. All BP sera were obtained at presentation before initiation of systemic immunosuppressive therapy. The values of IgG antibody levels measured by ELISA were compared with those measured by indirect IF on salt-split skin. Results The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA kit were 97.62%(41 of 42 BP sera showed a positive result) and 97.62%(23 of 24 normal controls and all the pemphigus sera showed a negative result),respectively. There was no correlation between the mean ELISA values and indirect IF titers. Conclusion The results suggest that the BP180-NCl6a ELISA is a useful tool for the detection of pathogenic anti-BP180 IgG autoantibodies at the initial disease stage of BP.

Key words: Pemphigoid, bullous, Diagnosis, BP180, ELISA