Infection Serology

Description  

This test is used to help diagnose a liver infection due to the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is one of several various causes of hepatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the liver. There are several causes of hepatitis and the accompanying symptoms, so this test may be used to determine if the symptoms are due to hepatitis A. This test detects antibodies in the blood that are produced by the immune system in response to a hepatitis A infection. While hepatitis A can cause a severe, acute disease that typically lasts 1 to 2 months, it does not cause a chronic infection, as do some of the other hepatitis viruses. 

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Description: Please refer to HbsAg. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  More than 10 mIU/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Hepatitis C tests are used to screen for and diagnose a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, to guide therapy and/or to monitor the treatment of an HCV infection. They detect the presence of antibodies to the virus, indicating exposure to HCV. Hepatitis C is a virus that causes an infection of the liver that is characterized by liver inflammation and damage. Hepatitis C tests are a group of tests that are performed to detect, diagnose, and monitor the treatment of a hepatitis C viral infection. The most common test for HCV looks for antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to an HCV infection. 

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Description 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that occurs widely throughout the population but rarely causes symptoms. CMV is found in many body fluids during an active infection, including saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid. It is easily transmitted to others through close physical contact or by contact with infected objects, such as diapers or toys. After the initial “primary” infection has resolved, CMV becomes dormant or latent – like other members of the herpes family. Cytomegalovirus remains in a person for the rest of his life without causing any symptoms, unless the person’s immune system is significantly weakened. If this happens, the virus can reactivate. CMV testing involves either a measurement of CMV antibodies, immune proteins created in response to CMV exposure, or by the detection of the virus itself. The virus can be identified during an active infection by culturing CMV or by detecting the virus’s genetic material (its DNA) in a fluid or tissue sample. 

Sample:  Blood (serum); urine 

Reference  

• For IgG: less than 0.4 IU/ml 
• For IgM: less than 15 AU/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a virus that typically causes a mild to moderate illness. These tests detect antibodies to EBV in the blood and help establish a diagnosis of an EBV infection. Epstein-Barr virus causes an infection that is very common. After initial exposure to EBV, there is a period of several weeks before associated symptoms may appear called the incubation period. During the acute primary infection, the virus multiplies in number. This is followed by a decrease in viral numbers and resolution of symptoms, but the virus never completely goes away. Latent EBV remains in the person’s body for the rest of his life and may reactivate but usually causes few problems unless the person’s immune system is significantly weakened. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Negative 

Frequency:  Once a week 

Description 

Hepatitis B tests detect substances that reflect a current or previous infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the liver. It has several various causes, one of which is infection by a virus. HBV is one of five “hepatitis viruses” identified so far that is known to mainly infect the liver. The other four are hepatitis A, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Some tests detect viral proteins (antigens) or the antibodies that are produced in response to an infection, while other types of tests detect or evaluate the genetic material (DNA) of the virus. The pattern of test results can identify a person who has a current active infection or one who has immunity as a result of previous exposure. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

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Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

These tests are looking for evidence of an infection in the gastrointestinal tract by a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is known to be a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and is very common, especially in developing countries. It decreases the stomach’s ability to produce mucus, making it prone to acid damage and peptic ulcers. H. Pylori is also associated with the development of gastric (stomach) cancer. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

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Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly called mono, refers to an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Epstein-Barr virus is very common. The virus is present in the saliva of an infected person and can be spread from person to person through close contact such as kissing and through sharing utensils or cups. The mono test is used to help determine whether a person with symptoms has infectious mononucleosis (mono). It is frequently ordered along with a complete blood count (CBC). The CBC is used to determine whether the number of white blood cells (WBCs) is elevated and whether a significant number of reactive lymphocytes are present. Mono is characterized by the presence of atypical white blood cells. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Less than 1,0x10exp9/l 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Rubella is a virus that causes an infection that is usually mild and characterized by fever and rash that last about 2 to 3 days. The rubella virus generally causes a mild infection marked by a fine red rash that appears on the face and neck and then travels to the trunk and limbs before disappearing a few days later. The virus is passed through nasal and throat secretions. The Infection is highly contagious but is preventable with a vaccine. This test detects and measures rubella antibodies in the blood that are produced by the body’s immune system in response to an infection by the rubella virus. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

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Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description: Please refer to Rubella (scr). 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

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Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is a microscopic parasite that infects cats and can be found in the soil. Testing detects antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to an infection or detects the genetic material (DNA) of the parasite in the blood. Testing is performed in order to detect and diagnose a current or past infection. In most healthy people, toxoplasmosis either causes no symptoms or results in a mild flu-like illness. A person’s immune system keeps the infection dormant and protects the body against further infection, unless the immune system becomes weakened, in which case the infection can re-activate. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  For IgG, less than 3.0 IU/ml; for IgM, less than 1.0 IU/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Chickenpox and shingles are caused by an infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpes virus family. Varicella zoster virus tests detect either antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a VZV infection or detect the virus itself. Tests for chickenpox and shingles may be performed to detect and diagnose a current or past infection with VZV. Most often, testing is not necessary to diagnosis an active infection because it can be made from clinical signs and symptoms. Varicella zoster virus can cause chickenpox in the young and in adults who have not been vaccinated or previously exposed. The primary infection is highly contagious, passing from person to person through coughing or sneezing or touching fluid from blisters. Once the initial infection has resolved, the virus becomes latent, persisting in sensory nerve cells. 

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