Prologue

Immunohistochemistry techniques have been extremely helpful in identifying antigens and antibodies crucial for the diagnosis of human diseases. Initially developed to identify antibodies useful for parasitical diseases, these techniques have enlarged their field to include the large spectrum of autoimmunity, bacteriology and virology phenomena.

Both immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase have proved to be effective immunohistochemistry techniques frequently used in the laboratory. After obtaining the results, the observer has to interpret them with the microscope to the best of his knowledge. Therefore, the observer's knowledge, ability and expertise are of the utmost importance. For the immunofluorescence technique, a fluorescence microscope is required; while the immunoperoxidase technique can be carried out with the standard light microscope.

Several laboratory professionals have lately faced difficulties in identifying patterns with the microscope. Therefore, patterns have been herein included in order to facilitate the diagnosis of human diseases. Due to the lack of space, we have not insisted on the correlation between patterns and diseases, and we ask colleagues to consult suitable literature on microbiology and autoimmunity.

The purpose of this electronic material is to provide continuous training in daily assays carried out in clinical and research laboratories. Looking forward to the utility of this material.

The authors