Test Summary

This test is for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies against Ehrlichia chaffeensis to aid in the diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis (human monocytic ehrlichiosis). Ehrlichiosis is a tickborne disease caused by transmission of the bacteria via the bite of an infected tick. It is most common in the eastern to southeastern and south-central United States.  Testing for E. chaffeensis is based on a clinical evaluation and risk of tick exposure with consideration to the geographic region. Symptoms may be nonspecific, including headache, fever/chills, malaise, myalgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and rash. Infection can have similarities with other tickborne illnesses with overlapping vectors, geographic endemicity, and similar clinical signs and symptoms, including Anaplasma spp, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and Babesia microti. Negative results can occur early in infection. Nucleic acid amplification tests are the preferred method for diagnosis during acute infection. Seroconversion or a four-fold increase between acute and convalescent sera can be used to support a diagnosis. The presence of IgG alone may indicate past infection, and IgM may persist for many months after infection has resolved. Antibody levels may remain elevated for several years after acute illness. Cross-reactivity between related organisms Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp, can occur. Therefore, interpretation of serologic results is done in the context of pertinent clinical picture, including timing from symptom onset.

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