Immunology

Immunology is the study of the immune system, including its functions and disorders, which lays the foundation to understand the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and immunodeficiencies.

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Primary Immunodeficiencies, now referred to as Inborn Errors of Immunity, are a group of genetic disorders that impair immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity, immune dysregulation, and a higher risk of malignancies.  

Consider testing in patients with recurrent, severe, unusual, or persistent infections—especially with opportunistic pathogens—poor response to standard treatments, a family history of immunodeficiency, or unexplained inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.  

Early diagnosis is essential for effective management and improved outcomes.  

Newborn screening using TREC and KREC PCR testing allows for the early detection of severe forms of immunodeficiency at birth, enabling timely intervention and improved prognosis.

Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction initiated by immunological mechanisms, which can be antibody (IgE) mediated or cell-mediated (Non-IgE). Different allergens (proteins) may induce allergic reactions, which include inhalants (pollen, house dust mites, pets and moulds), food or insect venom allergens.

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Allergies may develop during early infancy when the induction of allergen tolerance fails to occur but can develop at any age. Additional allergies may develop at any stage of life and need to be investigated to increase the patient’s quality of life and avoid complications.

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Anaphylaxis may be life threatening, therefore it is important to identify the culprit allergen to avoid the allergen and educate the patient on appropriate treatment if exposure to the allergen occurs.

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Autoimmune diseases are caused by autoantibodies that are formed when the body's immune system mistakenly recognises its own tissue as foreign. These autoantibodies can act against various organs and systems, including the joints, skin and endocrine glands. The diagnosis often relies on a combination of clinical findings, serological markers and advanced immunological tests.

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Our laboratory offers comprehensive autoimmune testing to aid in early detection, accurate diagnosis and disease monitoring.

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Tissue immunology, specifically HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing and antibody testing, plays a critical role in transplant medicine and immune-mediated disease. HLA typing involves identifying a patient's specific HLA genes to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient in organ or stem cell transplantation, minimizing the risk of rejection. HLA antibody testing detects pre-formed antibodies against donor antigens, which can lead to graft rejection if not identified beforehand. These assays are essential for donor selection, assessing sensitization risk, monitoring for antibody-mediated rejection, and guiding desensitization strategies, ultimately improving transplant outcomes and long-term graft survival.

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Certain HLA alleles are strongly associated with specific autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, aiding in diagnosis and risk stratification—for example, HLA-B27 with ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 with coeliac disease.

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A multidisciplinary team for immunology support and expert consultation in Pretoria.

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Available services:

• Allergy consultations, comprehensive diagnostic testing and allergen desensitisation/ allergy immunotherapy (AIT)
• Investigation and treatment for inhalant, food and drug allergies
• Metal allergy and Patch allergy testing available
• A wide range of skin prick testing, performed by skilled allergy nursing staff
• Skilled paediatric phlebotomy services

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Ampath Club Allergy Clinic

Physical address: Club Surgical Centre 2nd Floor, Suite 6 30 Pinaster Ave Hazelwood, Pretoria

Telephone number: 012 678 1490/1

Service hours: Mon-Fri: 7:00 to 16:00 Closed Weekends & Public Holidays`

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