Paraben-associated autoanti-Jka antibodies. Three examples detected using commercially prepared low-ionic strength saline containing parabens.

Three examples of autoantibodies with Jka specificity are reported. They all react preferentially by low-ionic strength salt (LISS) techniques, but only in the presence of parabens (butyl, ethyl, methyl, and propyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoate) or certain other neutral aromatic compounds. They were detected through the use of commercially prepared LISS solution containing parabens as preservatives. While it is unlikely that these autoantibodies are of clinical significance, the parabens can now be added to the list of reagent preservatives that may give rise to anomalous serologic reactions.