Histoplasma Antibody:
Why Histoplasma Antibody Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Histoplasma capsulatum (it is named capsulatum because it has a refractive HOLO – ‘mimicking a capsule’) is a species of dimorphic fungus. The disease caused by this organism is histoplasmosis and in certain cases is self-limiting. The cause of infection is strongly associated with bird droppings (eg. Pigeons i.e pigeon coops, starlings, blackbirds and especially bats). High risk of transmission is seen in exploring bat dwellings including caves, attics, hollow trees, farmers, pest control workers, poultry keepers, construction workers, roofers, cave explorers, landscapers, gardeners, demolition workers, children, immuno-compromised patients and mostly in classical H. capsulatum habitats (like damp soil, old barns, parks). This infection is most commonly transmitted when these spores are inhaled (usually in cleaning up or demolition projects). It causes pulmonary infection (acute or chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis) and when disseminated can also cause extrapulmonary manifestations. The clinical findings include erythematous skin condition may be triggered due to antigen reaction (could cause complications), myalgia, arthralgias, pulmonary calcifications, arthritic conditions, emphysema etc. Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, headache, dry cough, chest discomfort, massive hemoptysis (due to chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis), granulomatous mediastinitis, lymph node inflammation, necrosis of the lungs, extrapulmonary manifestations affecting right heart failure, endocarditis, pericarditis, peritonitis etc. Hence chronic untreated histoplasmosis can affect any part(s) of the body such as mouth, skin, liver, adrenals etc and can cause ADRS, heart problems, adrenal insufficiency, meningitis etc. Hence it can be also fatal. Histoplasma antibody (immuno-diffusion) test is used for the in-vitro determination of precipitating antibodies to Histoplasma sp. Other additional tests include enzyme immunoassay, complement fixation test, antigen detection test (Histoplasma capsulatum galactomannan antigen test in urine specimens), imaging studies such as Chest X-Rays, CT Scan of lungs etc, respiratory fluid specimen or tissue biopsy sample to confirm the presence of histoplasmosis by tissue culture and by histopathological studies under a microscope etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition / cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
