NMO With MOG Antibody Profile, Serum in Trombay

Neuromyelitis Optica is an inflammatory autoimmune disease causing demyelination of the central nervous system with degradation of the insulating sheath of at least one optical nerve (Neuritis nervi optici) and at the same time or few months later the spinal cord (Myelitis).

Symptoms of autoimmune disorders are brought on when the body erroneously attacks healthy cells. Antibodies carry out these assaults. Our immune system produces these antibodies, which are nothing but proteins specifically designed to prevent pathogens from harming humans. They can attack a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. Antibodies are vital to the defence mechanisms of our immune system. These antibodies might, however, make errors from time to time. They accidentally target normal healthy cells rather than pathogens and are known as autoantibodies. Depending on whether normal tissue was assaulted, this could result in harm and several problems. A condition of the central nervous system called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is one such autoimmune disease. Here's all you need to know about NMO and the NMO with MOG antibody profile.

What is NMO?

NMO primarily affects the spinal cord (myelitis) and eye nerves (optic neuritis). The precise mechanism through which NMO arises is unknown; it is assumed to be connected to a problem with the blood-brain barrier, which permits auto-antibodies to penetrate the brain and spinal cord and harm and inflame certain cells. The myelin sheath of the brain's nerves is one region that is damaged. Although the autoimmune condition cannot be healed, the patient can have an active life with proper treatment. Since multiple sclerosis, another autoimmune illness can have comparable symptoms but advance in a different way, it is important to distinguish between the two. In incidences of NMO and NMOSD (NMO spectral disorders), respectively, the NMO antibody and MOG antibodies are positive. The NMO with MOG antibody profile test is done to diagnose and evaluate these conditions.

Who should do the NMO With MOG Antibody Profile test?

People with one or more of the following symptoms should do this test -

• A weakened back and arms.
• Tight, uncomfortable spasms in the arms and legs.
• Discomfort in the arms and legs.
• Heightened reactivity to cold and heat.

Problems with the bladder, bowels, and sexuality

Why is the NMO With MOG Antibody Profile test done?

This examination looks for NMO and MOG antibodies. The presence of NMO & MOG antibodies is diagnostic of NMO and related spectral disorders. 80% of NMO patients test positive for NMO antibodies while 20% of patients may test negative, but will test positive for MOG antibodies. This test helps to diagnose and distinguish this disorder from multiple sclerosis.

Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs