Antistreptolysin O Assay Kit (ASO)
For the quantitative in vitro determination of Antistreptolysin O (ASO) in human serum.
Streptolysin O (SLO) is a lethal, exocellular protein produced by Group A streptococci bacteria. It is so named because it is reversibly inactivated by atmospheric oxygen. The binding of active SLO to the surface of erythrocytes causes disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane resulting in cell lysis. Anti-streptolysin O antibodies (ASO) are produced by the host to neutralise the haemolytic action of the SLO. Measurement ofASO in serum is used for the diagnosis ofstreptococcol infections such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. The ASO level can be used as a measure of the extent and degree of infection. Elevated ASO levels may also be present in other conditions such as scarlet fever, acute rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis and various other streptococcal infections and in healthy carriers.
In those infections promoted by acute streptococcal infection, antibodies to the exotoxin of streptococcus are usually produced. By reacting suspended uniform polystyrene particles coated with Streptolysin O together with serum containing antibodies, an increase in turbidity occurs. By comparing with a standard, a quantitative value for the concentration of Anti Streptolysin O (ASO) present in serum can be obtained.
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