Antigen is a substance that can stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies as a form of resistance. Antigens in the human body can be in the form of bacteria, viruses, or certain chemicals.
The immune system considers antigens as foreign substances that can threaten the health of the body. Antigens generally come from outside the body through food, drink, dirt, dust, or pollution. However, antigens can also be found in tissues and cells in the body, including cancer cells. In the body, these antigens can be detected by the lymphatic system.
Antigen and Antibody Relationship
When an antigen enters the body, the immune system will produce a substance to destroy the antigen. Substances produced by the immune system to fight antigens are called antibodies.
Antibodies are part of the immune system that acts as a fortress to protect the body from the threat of viruses, bacteria, germs, and substances that cause infectious diseases. Antibodies will be produced by the immune system according to the amount of antigen.
Antibodies have a shape that resembles the shape of the antigen to be resisted. This is so that the antibody can attach to the antigen and fight it. Thus, the antigen does not develop and does not cause infection.
In certain cases, antigens can also cause allergic reactions and allergy-related diseases, such as asthma and eczema.
Types of Antigen Test
In medical science, there are several kinds of tests that can be done to detect the presence of antigens. With the examination of these antigens, doctors can diagnose a disease quickly, so that appropriate treatment steps can be taken immediately.
The following are some of the most common types of antigen tests:
1. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
This test is done to measure PSA levels in the blood of men. PSA is a chemical produced by the prostate gland. PSA levels can increase when the prostate is disturbed. Therefore, the PSA antigen test can be useful as a test to detect prostate disorders, such as prostatitis and prostate cancer.
2. Dengue virus nonstructural protein 1 antigen (NS1)
This antigen test is performed to detect the presence of NS1 protein or antigen in the body. A positive NS1 result indicates that a person is experiencing an acute infection with the dengue virus. This NS1 antigen test is useful to help doctors in diagnosing dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) quickly and accurately.
3. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
This examination is carried out to detect the presence of proteins found on the walls or surfaces of the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg or test rapid test HBsAg generally can also be done to detect acute and chronic hepatitis B infection.
4. HIV antigen (P24)
The HIV antigen (P24) test is done to check if a person has the HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or not. This test is actually rarely done because it is not quite common in Indonesia
P24 is a protein present in the HIV virus and can be detected in the first few weeks after infection. This test can be combined with other types of tests to diagnose HIV.
In addition to the tests above, there are still various types of antigen tests that can be done to assist doctors in diagnosing infections or other medical conditions.
Keep yourself away from viruses and bacteria
Antigens generally come from outside the body, including viruses and bacteria. Some antigens are harmless and disappear on their own. However, there are many antigens that can cause disease.
Therefore, you need to take steps to prevent the entry of antigens into the body so that they are always protected from disease. The following are preventative steps you can take:
Washing hands
Wash hands with soap and running water regularly, especially before eating and after urinating or defecating. These good habits can help you kill viruses and bacteria that stick to your hands.
If soap and water are not available, you can clean your hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Getting vaccinated
Giving vaccines or immunizations has proven effective to protect the body from the threat of certain diseases, especially infectious diseases. Every infant and child is required to undergo vaccination according to a predetermined schedule.
Not only children, adults also need to be vaccinated according to doctor's advice.
Taking drugs
Several types of drugs can protect our bodies from germs that cause certain infections and diseases. However, the use of drugs should be with a doctor's prescription.
Antigens are all around us and are often difficult to avoid. However, by always adopting a healthy lifestyle, the body will have the ability to fight antigens and prevent disease.
Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of infection. If necessary, the doctor can perform certain antigen tests to confirm the diagnosis, so that appropriate treatment can be given.