Diagnostic accuracy of four different immunological methods for the detection of anti-F-actin autoantibodies in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and other liver-related disorders

Abstract

The methods used for anti-F-actin antibody detection have different diagnostic performances. Both IIF methods, the one on rat tissues and the other on VSM47 cell line, are highly specific for AIH-1. In contrast, ELISA and especially ID show positive results in control population, although usually at low levels (with the single exception of PBC patients). Therefore, having a high positive predictive value, both IIF methods are reliable tools for the specific detection of AIH-associated anti-F-actin autoantibodies, whereas the immunometric assays might be integrated into the diagnostic scheme as second level tests upon improvement of their respective cut-offs to confirm anti-F-actin positivity in case of SMA positivity.