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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Serology for tularemiaDefinitionThis blood test looks for antibodies against Francisella tularensis, the bacteria that cause the disease tularemia. Alternative NamesTularemia test; Serology for Francisella tularensis How the Test is PerformedAntibodies defend the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other foreign substances, calledantigens. Certain cells cause the body to produce antibodies during an active infection. When you first get sick, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during the course of an infection. For this reason, antibody tests are often repeated several weeks after the first test is done, so the results can be compared. A rising level of antibodies tells the health care provider that there is indeed an infection. This test specifically looks for antibodies to F. tularensis in the clear liquid portion of the blood, which is called the serum. (This technique is called serology.) The presence of these particular antibodies indicates a current or previous infection with F. tularensis. In some cases, a single high level of antibodies specific to F. tularensis can indicate infection. How to Prepare for the TestThere is no special preparation. How the Test Will FeelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. Why the Test is PerformedThis blood test may be performed when tularemia is suspected. Normal ResultsAntibodies are absent. However, during the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, there may be slight antibody production. As the disease progresses, more antibodies will be present. If a disease is suspected, the test may need to be repeated several weeks after the first test. Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results What Abnormal Results MeanIf antibodies are detected, there has been exposure to Francisella tularensis (possible tularemia). RisksVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
ConsiderationsA serology test can determine if a patient has ever been exposed to a particular antigen, but this does not necessarily indicate a current infection. Increasing antibody levels are more likely to indicate a current infection. ReferencesSchaffner W. Tularemia and othe Francisella infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 332.Review Date: 5/30/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
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