Question

ELISA technique is based on the principles of antigen-antibody interaction. Can this technique be used in the molecular diagnosis of a genetic disorder, such as phenylketonuria?

Answer 1

Principle of ELISA :

Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is based on the interaction between antigen and antibody.

Phenylketonuria :

Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive disorder. Phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme is non-functional in this disorder due to which tyrosine is converted into phenylpyruvate and ketone bodies. These byproducts are excreted in the urine.

ELISA for phenylketonuria :

To perform ELISA, either antibody should be produced by the host immune system or antigen should be present. In phenylketonuria, both antibodies and antigens are not produced because it is a genetic disorder. Therefore, ELISA cannot be used for the diagnosis of phenylketonuria.