Coccidioides

What the laboratory says this test is for

This immunodiffusion-based test for antibodies to F antigen (IgG) and TP antigen (IgM) is used to diagnose coccidioidomycosis. This disease, also known as valley fever, is caused by Coccidioides, an environmental fungus in the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America. This test may be ordered when patients who have lived in or traveled to endemic areas have clinical suspicion of coccidioidomycosis [1].Approximately 40% of people with Coccidioides infection present with acute pulmonary symptoms resembling community-based bacterial pneumonia; others are asymptomatic. A small number of individuals develop pulmonary sequelae, and some may develop disseminated disease. Severe complications are more common in Black and Filipino individuals. Coccidioidomycosis is a reportable disease in some states and is most common in Arizona and California [1].Serologic tests are the most frequently used laboratory approach to diagnose coccidioidomycosis. Other tests include culture, histopathologic examination, and molecular assays [1]. If the IgG or IgM result is positive, a complement fixation test for Coccidioides antibodies will be performed at additional cost. A positive result for IgG, IgM, or any other laboratory component defined by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists confirms coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California; other states generally require both laboratory and clinical evidence for the diagnosis [1]. A negative result does not exclude the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis.The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.Reference1. Surveillance for coccidioidomycosis - United States, 2011-2017. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated September 19, 2019. Accessed December 8, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/ss/ss6807a1.htm

What the laboratory says this test is for

This immunodiffusion assay is highly specific for histoplasmosis infection but may have low sensitivity in early infection. Two different immunoprecipitin bands may be detected. The M band develops with acute infection, is often present in chronic infection, and may persist for months to years. The H band, which is usually present with the M band, generally suggests a chronic or severe acute infection. The presence of both the H and M bands is considered conclusive for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel may be used as an aid in the diagnosis of several fungal infections that can cause serious infection. This qualitative immunodiffusion-based test is designed to detect serum antibodies directed against Aspergillus species (specifically A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger), Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida species, Coccidioides immitis, and Histoplasma capsulatum.These fungi may cause invasive infections that can represent a diagnostic challenge. While the endemic mycoses may have differing epidemiological risk factors, clinically they may have overlapping features. Thus, definitive diagnosis depends on fungal culture, characteristic fungal staining in specimens, or other direct diagnostic means, such as molecular methods, that may require invasive procedures.Immunodiffusion bands of identity or partial identity with a positive control are considered positive and indicate patient antibody against the fungal antigen in question. Negative results do not rule out infection, especially if testing is done before antibody development early in infection or if the patient is immunocompromised. Test results should be correlated with the patient's epidemiological risk factors and clinical findings.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel is designed to assist in determining the causative agent in cases of suspected fungal-associated respiratory infections