Fungal Serology
Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.
Diagnostic Overview
Fungal Serology
Serology testing for fungal diseases in dogs and cats is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps Pet Health veterinarians assess a pet’s immune response to specific pathogens. This method utilizes the reactions and properties of serum, the liquid part of blood, to detect the presence of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins the immune system produces in response to exposure to pathogens like fungi. Serological tests for fungal diseases, including Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Aspergillus, and Coccidioides, are crucial for identifying infections and monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Various serological tests are employed, each with its unique approach. These tests include agglutination, immunodiffusion (ID), complement fixation test (CFT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), lateral flow assay (LFA), counter immuno-electrophoresis (CIE), and radioimmunosorbent assay (RIA). These tests help veterinarians understand the immune system’s response and determine if a pet has been exposed to or sensitized to specific fungal organisms.
Interpreting the results of serology tests requires careful consideration. High antibody titers, or concentrations, don’t always indicate acute disease or recent exposure. In some cases, titers can remain elevated for months or even years. The most effective use of antibody titers involves conducting acute and convalescent samples about 3-4 weeks apart. A significant increase (4-fold or greater) in titers between these samples indicates a proven acute exposure, providing vital information for the diagnosis and treatment plan.
However, pet parents need to understand that seronegativity, or negative results, does not always rule out the presence of the disease. In some instances, infected animals may show negative results in serological tests. Therefore, a negative result does not guarantee the absence of the fungal infection, and additional diagnostic methods may be needed for a comprehensive assessment of the dog’s health or underlying disease.