Abstract: Compositions and methods for accurately characterizing immune reactivity to food allergens have been developed, in which test surfaces that incorporate different food antigen preparations derived from the same food into individual test sites are provided. Such coated surfaces can be produced using raw and cooked foods. The use of a panel of such test surfaces to characterize specific IgG, IgA, and/or C1q binding provides improved sensitivity and accuracy in determining immune reactivity and response to specific foods.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and apparatus are disclosed for testing of antigens associated with intestinal and/or blood-brain barrier permeability. For example, blood, saliva or other bodily fluid can be tested for binding (1) to a bacterial toxin (preferably a lipopolysaccharide), and (2) binding to tissue antigens selected from at least one of (a) a gut-related antigen and (b) a blood brain barrier-related antigen. Analysis of test results can be used to assist in detecting and diagnosing diseases associated with leaky gut syndrome (whether due to paracellular or transcellular pathways, and whether due to bacterial toxins or some other cause) and/or to diseases associated with excessive blood brain barrier permeability, which are contemplated herein to include both neuroinflammation and/or neuroautoimmunity conditions, and especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, or peripheral neuropathy, and major depression.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and apparatus are disclosed for testing of antigens associated with intestinal and/or blood-brain barrier permeability. For example, blood, saliva or other bodily fluid can be tested for binding (1) to a bacterial toxin (preferably a lipopolysaccharide), and (2) binding to tissue antigens selected from at least one of (a) a gut-related antigen and (b) a blood brain barrier-related antigen. Analysis of test results can be used to assist in detecting and diagnosing diseases associated with leaky gut syndrome (whether due to paracellular or transcellular pathways, and whether due to bacterial toxins or some other cause) and/or to diseases associated with excessive blood brain barrier permeability, which are contemplated herein to include both neuroinflammation and/or neuroautoimmunity conditions, and especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, or peripheral neuropathy, and major depression.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and apparatus are disclosed for testing of antigens associated with intestinal and/or blood-brain barrier permeability. For example, blood, saliva or other bodily fluid can be tested for binding (1) to a bacterial toxin (preferably a lipopolysaccharide), and (2) binding to tissue antigens selected from at least one of (a) a gut-related antigen and (b) a blood brain barrier-related antigen. Analysis of test results can be used to assist in detecting and diagnosing diseases associated with leaky gut syndrome (whether due to paracellular or transcellular pathways, and whether due to bacterial toxins or some other cause) and/or to diseases associated with excessive blood brain barrier permeability, which are contemplated herein to include both neuroinflammation and/or neuroautoimmunity conditions, and especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, or peripheral neuropathy, and major depression.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of delayed food allergy and intolerance against antigens extracted from modified foods. The method includes determining a level of antibodies against a modified dietary food antigen in blood and mucosal samples from the patient and comparing the level with normal levels of the antibodies. Dietary antigens that were tested include milk and modified milk products; eggs and modified egg products; meat and modified meat products; fish, mollusks, and crustaceans and their modified products; oils, fats and their modified products; grains and modified grain products; pulses, seeds kernels, nuts and their modified products; vegetables and modified vegetable products; fruits and modified fruit products; sugar, modified sugar products, modified chocolate products and confectionery; and spices and their modified forms.

Abstract: ELISA, Western Blot, and a peptide-based ELISA were applied to clinical specimens from patients with clinical symptoms of tick borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Peptides from different components of Borrelia during different cycles, including peptides from outer surface protein, leukocyte function associated antigens, immunodominant antigens, variable major proteins, and peptides from decorin-binding proteins of Borrelial subspecies (B. sensu stricto. B. afzelii, B. garinii) were used. Antibodies against specific peptides from Babesia and Ehrlichia were also measured.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases or predicting a predisposition to multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The method utilizes detection of increased amounts of memory lymphocytes reacting to MS antigens, proinflammatory cytokines, and antibodies against MS antigens.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the likelihood and severity of cardiovascular disease in a patient is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against autoantigens, including myosin, oxidized LDL, ?-2-glycoprotein, heat shock protein-60, platelet glycoprotein, and immune complexes. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the likelihood and severity of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for following up a prognosis of children with autism before and after treatment with different modalities administered by their clinicians, confirming the involvement of infectious agents, dietary proteins, and toxic chemicals in development of autism. The method utilizes detection of increased amounts of antibodies against an antigen based on infectious agent, toxic chemicals, or dietary proteins. Another method utilizes detection of antibodies to a self-tissue or peptide.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of food allergy or food intolerance and their cross-reactive tissue antigens is disclosed. The method includes determining a level of antibodies against a dietary antigen in a mucosal sample from the patient and comparing the level with normal levels of the antibodies. Dietary antigens that were tested include milk and milk products; eggs and egg products; meat and meat products; fish, mollusks, and crustaceans and their products; oils, fats, and their products; grains and grain products; pulses, seed, kernels, nuts, and their products; vegetable and vegetable products; fruit and fruit products; sugar, sugar product, chocolate products, and confectionary; and spices.

Abstract: A method for determining an increased likelihood of the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FMS), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an individual, comprising isolating blood cells from the individual and determining the presence of one or more Mycoplasma species present in the blood cells, wherein the presence of one or more Mycoplasma species indicates an increased likelihood of the presence of CFS, FMS, RA or GWS.

Abstract: A method for determining a cause for digestive and immune disorders is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against normal intestinal microflora and food antigens. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the cause. The test can be used to diagnose food allergy or intolerance, microflora imbalance, gut barrier dysfunction, bacterial translocation, immunodeficiencies, candidiasis and autoimmunities.

Abstract: Methods for detecting chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia in an individual, comprising isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and: 1) determining the amounts of Mycoplasma genus or Mycoplasma species; 2) determining the Mycoplasma gene copy number; or 3) determining the levels of anti-M. fermentans antibodies present in serum, wherein elevated levels of any of these indicate the presence of CFS and/or fibromyalgia.

Abstract: A method for determining a cause for digestive and immune disorders is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against normal intestinal microflora and food antigens. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the cause. The test can be used to diagnose food allergy or intolerance,microflora imbalance, gut barrier dysfunction, bacterial translocation, immunodeficiencies, candidiasis and autoimmunities.

Abstract: A method of determining intracellular levels of water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell lysates are prepared from an individual and analyzed by HPLC, either directly or after extraction with organic solvents to extract fat-soluble antioxidants. The levels of antioxidants are compared to normal levels as an indication of the overall oxidative health of the individual.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome in an individual. Peripheral blood monocytes are isolated and p68 kinase activity, mRNA levels, protein levels, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis are measured. Significantly increased levels of any of these compared to healthy control individuals indicates the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome in an individual. Peripheral blood monocytes are isolated and p68 kinase activity, mRNA levels, protein levels, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis are measured. Significantly increased levels of any of these compared to healthy control individuals indicates the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome in an individual is diagnosed by determining the level of RNase L inhibitor mRNA or protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Significantly decreased levels of RLI mRNA or protein compared to healthy control individuals indicates the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: A method of determining immunological cross reactivity between Candida and human tissue or food antigens. Tissue antigen preparations or food extracts are analyzed by electrophoresis. Cross reacting antigens are identified by immunoblotting using anti-Candida antisera.