MD TP23: Diagnostic techniques on autoimmune bullous dermatoses

Autoimmune Bullous dermatoses (AIBDs) represent a group of rare disorders, which are characterized by circulating and tissue-bound autoantibodies against various structural proteins of the skin. Due to the rarity of these diseases it is difficult to reliably compare diagnostic laboratory techniques. This project aims to improve the diagnostic standards for AIBDs and to allow the comparison with other techniques. Furthermore, we seek to make a statement about the geographical and ethnical distribution of subtypes of AIBDs. Based on more than 1000 worldwide collected serum samples of patients diagnosed with AIBDs, we will evaluate the informative value of the conservative laboratory techniques such as direct/indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western Blot.