C reactive protein (CRP) is a known indicator of inflammation. Serum CRP is often raised in patients with inflammatory conditions.
To determine whether individuals make antibodies to CRP and whether this might affect serum CRP concentrations.
An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the detection of antibodies to CRP. Specificity of the reaction was determined by inhibition of the reaction.
Sera from 413 patients were tested and 25 were found to be positive, particularly in patients with rheumatic diseases. Levels of anti-CRP did not correlate with serum CRP levels.
The presence of low CRP levels may not reflect the presence of antibodies to CRP.