Serological tests

Learn how serology testing is performed, how to prepare, and how to interpret results together with a clinician.

Ureaplasma urealyticum: antigen detection by immunofluorescence

Ureaplasma urealiticum is classified as a mycoplasma. The name "ureaplasma" derives from its ability to synthesize the enzyme urease, which breaks down urea to form carbon dioxide and ammonia.

Mycoplasma hominis: antigen detection by immunofluorescence

In men, mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum) most often cause urethritis, in women - endometritis and salpingitis, in newborns they can cause meningitis, respiratory infections, and septicemia.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: antibodies and infection diagnostics

Serological diagnosis is based on the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibody titers in serum. The most widely used method is the ELISA.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: antigen, direct immunofluorescence

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pathogen that causes respiratory diseases in humans and parasitizes cell membranes. The prevalence of respiratory mycoplasmosis in all respiratory diseases ranges from 35% to 40% across different population groups. Mycoplasma pneumonia accounts for 10-17% of all pneumonia cases.

Rapid test for urogenital chlamydia

The method is based on the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in urethral, cervical, and conjunctival swabs using ELISA with visual assessment of the results (sensitivity over 79%, specificity over 95%). This method relies on the presence of a genus-specific lipopolysaccharide antigen in chlamydia.

Chlamydia trachomatis: IgA, IgM, IgG antibodies and values

IgM antibodies are detected during the acute phase of infection (as early as 5 days after onset). IgM antibody levels peak in the first to second week, followed by a gradual decline (they typically disappear within 2 to 3 months, even without treatment). IgM antibodies are directed against lipopolysaccharide and the major outer membrane protein of chlamydia.

Chlamydia pneumoniae: IgG and IgM antibodies

IgM antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae, which are formed during primary infection and confirm the etiological diagnosis of the disease even with a single test, can be detected in the indirect immunofluorescence reaction or ELISA (sensitivity - 97%, specificity - 90%).

Gonorrhea: rapid diagnostics using urethral specimens

Gonococci cause a purulent inflammation of the genital tract called gonorrhea. Their detection is difficult due to their low viability, which precludes the widespread use of bacteriological methods (which yield positive results in 20-30% of cases).

Helicobacter pylori: antibodies and diagnosis of infection

The most widely used serological method for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori is the ELISA test. This non-invasive and indirect method detects antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in the patient's blood, including IgA, IgM, and (most commonly) IgG.

Leptospirosis: antibodies to the pathogen and interpretation

ELISA detects IgM and IgG antibodies to leptospirosis. IgM antibodies can be detected in the blood on the fourth to fifth day of illness, peaking in the second to third week and then declining over the next few months.

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