In the field of Epidemiology, antibody tests play a crucial role in understanding the spread and impact of infectious diseases. They help in:
1. Surveillance and Monitoring: By identifying individuals who have been exposed to a pathogen, public health officials can monitor the spread of diseases within a population. 2. Assessing Immunity: Determining the level of immunity in a community, which can guide vaccination strategies and public health interventions. 3. Outbreak Investigation: Helping to trace the source and transmission patterns during an outbreak. 4. Vaccine Development: Evaluating the effectiveness and immunogenicity of vaccines in clinical trials.
