[Detection of circulating pemphigus vulgaris antibodies in families of patients with pemphigus vulgaris].

OBJECTIVE

To detect the autoantibodies on 30 first-degree relatives of 12 patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), who may share the same susceptible gene with the patients.

METHODS

Immunoblot and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) method were used to detect circulatory PV antibodies in the peripheral blood.

RESULTS

PV antibodies were found in 19 of 30 (63%) relatives by both methods, but 10 control serum were all negative by both methods.

CONCLUSION

Healthy PV antibody carriers may also exist in high frequency in the first-degree relatives of Chinese PV patients.