Anaplasma Phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia Chaffeensi Antibody Panel
Serum
Performed by: Quest Diagnostics
The Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis Antibody Panel is a comprehensive serological test used to diagnose infections caused by these two tick-borne pathogens. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is responsible for anaplasmosis, while Ehrlichia chaffeensis causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME). Both diseases can present with similar clinical symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and in some cases, more severe complications like thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes. The antibody panel typically includes tests for both IgM and IgG antibodies to each pathogen, providing information about recent and past infections. The presence of IgM antibodies suggests a recent or acute infection, while IgG antibodies indicate past exposure or a longer-term response to the infection. This panel is particularly valuable in areas where ticks are prevalent and in patients with a history of tick exposure, as it helps differentiate between these two infections, which, despite their similarities, may require different approaches to treatment. A positive result for either pathogen can guide appropriate antibiotic therapy and management. However, results should be interpreted with caution, as cross-reactivity between antibodies to different pathogens can occur, and the presence of antibodies alone does not always indicate an active infection. Clinicians often consider these test results alongside the patient's clinical presentation, history, and other laboratory findings for an accurate diagnosis.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ab (IgG) testing is a serological method used to detect antibodies, specifically Immunoglobulin G (IgG), against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the bacterium responsible for the tick-borne disease known as anaplasmosis. The pres
Learn moreAnaplasma phagocytophilum Ab (IgM) testing is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting acute infections caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the bacterium responsible for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease. The IgM antibodies are the first type of ant
Learn moreEhrlichia chaffeensis antibody (IgG) testing is a critical diagnostic tool used to detect previous or ongoing infections with Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the bacterium responsible for human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), a potentially severe tick-borne dis
Learn moreE. Chaffeensis Ab IgM
Ehrlichia chaffeensis Ab (IgM) testing plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis. This test specifically looks for IgM antibodies, which are
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