To Compare the Utility of Immunofluorescence Techniques [Direct and Indirect Immunofluorescence with Salt-Split Skin Assay], Biochip Mosaic Assay, and Multiplex ELISA in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Bullous Diseases – A Prospective Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

To the best of our knowledge there is paucity of studies in literature comparing the utility of various immunofluorescence assays (DIF, IIF with salt-split skin assay), biochip mosaic assay and serodiagnosis by Multiplex ELISA test in the diagnosis of AIBDs. We will be comparing the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of all these assays in the diagnosis of AIBDs

Study design: Prospective cross-sectional pilot study. Duration of study: 2 years Jan 2025 from to Jan 2027) Number of patients: At least 50 cases and 35 controls will be recruited.

We will be recruiting total of 35 controls in the project Disease controls – 25 Healthy controls – 10 All patients attending the out-patient department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, will be screened for active cases of AIBDs (both intraepidermal and sub epidermal), for recruitment into the study. Control patients (both diseased and healthy controls) will also be recruited. Cases- Skin biopsy samples and sera of at least 50 confirmed (combination of clinical, histopathological features and IB assay) cases of active AIBDs (both intraepidermal and subepidermal diseases), will be subjected to immunofluorescence assays (DIF, IIF with salt-split skin assay), Biochip mosaic assay and Multiplex ELISA. The diagnosis of AIBD will be confirmed on the basis of clinical features, histopathological examination, and immunoblot assay. Definitive diagnosis - Immunoblot assay, clinical assessment and histopathological examination- all three are positive. Probable diagnosis – Clinical and histopathological examination are positive Cases will be taken on the basis of probable diagnosis initially for the recruitment