The spectrum of disorders associated with ABGA and streptococcal infection includes Sydenham's chorea (prototype), tics (PANDAS), a subset of cases with Tourette's syndrome (TS). Rarely patients, with adult-onset tics, dystonia, and some cases with post-encephalitic Parkinsonism or encephalitis lethargica may also have ABGA.
Anti-basal ganglia antibodies (ABGA) have been found with extrapyramidal movement disorders of the basal ganglia and deep grey matter with post-rheumatic fever chorea (90% sensitivity) and tics being the common manifestations, although dystonia and myoclonus have also been reported in rare incidences.
A small number of patients with an encephalitic phenotype with coexistent parkinsonial features has also been reported in association with ABGA and may be described as an encephalitis-lethargica type disease. However, some patients with this EL like phenotype have been shown to have antiNMDA receptor antibodies.
The sensitivity and specificity of the antibodies in post-streptococcal neurological patients is 80- 90% when compared to normal, neurological and streptococcal infection controls. False positives appear more commonly in patients with other streptococcal immune mediated manifestations such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
A small number of patients with complex cerebellar disease of unknown aetiology also have the antibodies.
This assay is performed at a referral laboratory (external users requiring Basal Ganglia Antibody testing are advised to contact the referral laboratory directly):
Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory
(Box 76) 9th Floor
UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
Queen Square
London WC1N 3BG
Specimen requirements
Serum 1ml; plasma is NOT acceptable
Cost
Price on request
Laboratory turnaround time
28 days
Email immunologylab.enquiries@ouh.nhs.uk for current turnaround time
Laboratory method
N/A
Reference range/units
Negative = Low Positive = 5-30U/ml
Associated tests
N/A
Shipping and storage
Internal hospital transport/courier.
Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30.
Further information and contact details
For further information, email immunologylab.enquiries@ouh.nhs.uk
