Streptococcal Antibody Tests

[mkur]

Found the following website and info interesting:

 

http://www.enotes.com/streptococcal-antibody-tests-reference/streptococcal-antibody-tests-172435

 

"Purpose

Tests for streptococcal antibodies are preformed in order to document a recent infection with Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyrogenes). The antistreptolysin O titer, or ASO, is ordered primarily to determine whether a previous Group A streptococcus infection has caused a post streptococcal disease, such as scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, or glomerulonephritis. The ASO test also detects Groups C and G streptococci, which also produce streptolysin O. Antibodies to streptolysin O are produced in approximately 75-80% of Group A streptococcus infections, but are usually not seen in skin infections caused by this organism. The antibodies are usually detected within one to two weeks following acute pharyngitis.

 

The anti-DNase-B (ADB) test is also performed to determine a previous infection with Group A streptococci. Antibodies to DNase-B appear almost exclusively in Group A streptoccal infections, appear somewhat earlier than those to streptolysin O, and are produced by 85-90% of persons with group A streptococcal skin infections. When used with the ASO test, the ADB test adds clincial sensitivity."

 

My son has had a group G infection and I have always wondered about it.

Edited April 22, 2012 by mkur