Human Reproduction, Vol. 15, No. 2, 233,
February 2000
© 2000 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Debates Continued |
Antisperm antibodies: Comment on the use of the MAR test using latex beads
1 Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, NL 2300 RC Leiden, and 2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
In the debate on antisperm antibodies (Helmerhorst et al., 1999
), Mahmoud and Comhaire conclude that our viewpoint is biased by selection of references. In fact one reference was not mentioned. It deals with an article written by one of the authors in which the mixed agglutination reaction (MAR) test with latex beads was proposed. In their comment Mahmoud and Comhaire explained the principle, advantages over other tests, abilities and the clinical significance of their test.
The gist of our contribution to the debate is that the methods we have described are hindered by co-detection of undesired non-specifically bound antibodies. The MAR test with latex beads is not an exception in this respect. In fact, the principle of the test is not different from the original MAR test, as we have mentioned. Comparisons with other unreliable tests will not change our conclusion. An inferior test is not a firm base for therapy. A good clinical outcome based upon an inferior test is not an argument in favour for the reliability of that test, rather a way of reverse reasoning.
Notes
3 To whom correspondence should be addressed
References
Helmerhorst, F.M., Finken, M.J.J. and Erwich, J.J. (1999) Detection assays for antisperm antibodies: what do they test? Hum. Reprod., 14, 1669–1671.
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