Histoplasmosis laboratory findings

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Histoplasmosis Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Histoplasmosis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Screening

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Case Studies

Case #1

Histoplasmosis laboratory findings On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Histoplasmosis laboratory findings

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Histoplasmosis laboratory findings

CDC on Histoplasmosis laboratory findings

Histoplasmosis laboratory findings in the news

Blogs on Histoplasmosis laboratory findings

Directions to Hospitals Treating Histoplasmosis

Risk calculators and risk factors for Histoplasmosis laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Serge Korjian M.D.

Overview

Laboratory Findings

  • Histoplasma antigen detection in urine and/or serum is the most widely used and most sensitive method for diagnosing acute histoplasmosis.

Other methods include antibody tests, culture, and microscopy.

  • Antigen detection: Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is typically performed on urine and/or serum, but can also be used on cerebrospinal fluid or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Sensitivity is generally higher in urine than in serum, particularly for HIV-infected persons with disseminated histoplasmosis.
  • Antibody tests: Because development of antibodies to Histoplasma can take two to six weeks, antibody tests are not as useful as antigen detection tests in diagnosing acute histoplasmosis or in immunosuppressed persons, who may not mount a strong immune response.
    • Immunodiffusion (ID): Tests for the presence of H (indicates chronic or severe acute infection) and M (develops within weeks of acute infection and can persist for months to years after the infection has resolved) precipitin bands; ~80% sensitivity.
    • Complement Fixation (CF): Complement-fixing antibodies may take up to 6 weeks to appear after infection. CF is more sensitive but less specific than immunodiffusion.
  • Culture: can be performed on tissue and body fluids, but may take up to 6 weeks to become positive; most useful in the diagnosis of the severe forms of histoplasmosis.
  • Microscopy: for detection of budding yeast in tissue or respiratory secretions; low sensitivity.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR for detection of Histoplasma directly from clinical specimens is still experimental, but promising.[1]

References

  1. Information for Healthcare Professionals about Histoplasmosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2015. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/histoplasmosis/health-professionals.html. Accessed February 2, 2016.