IgG and IgM Antibody Testing Assists in Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Histoplasmosis

Combining results of a new antibody assay with serum and urine antigen detection improved diagnostic sensitivity to 96%.

Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH) can be difficult to identify due to limited sensitivity of diagnostic tests. Urine or serum antigen tests may be falsely negative in 38% of cases, and complement fixation (CF) and immunodiffusion (ID) antibody tests may also be insensitive.

MiraVista Diagnostics has developed a new enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) that detects both IgG and IgM antibodies against histoplasma antigens. To compare the results of this assay with antigen detection and results of antihistoplasma CF and ID antibody testing, investigators conducted an industry-sponsored study using stored samples from 50 clinical cases of APH, 30 epidemiologic cases of APH, and various control samples.

IgG and IgM EIA results were positive in 88% a…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

IgG and IgM Antibody Testing Assists in Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Histoplasmosis

Topics

Reviewing Author