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What is the purpose of an antistreptolysin O ASO titer?
Definition. Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer is a blood test to measure antibodies against streptolysin O, a substance produced by group A streptococcus bacteria. Antibodies are proteins our bodies produce when they detect harmful substances, such as bacteria.
How do you treat Streptolysin?
The main function of streptolysin O is to cause hemolysis (the breaking open of red blood cells)—in particular, beta-hemolysis. Increased levels of ASO titre in the blood could cause damage to the heart and joints. In most cases, penicillin is used to treat patients with increased levels of ASO titre.
What titer is considered significant for diagnosis of the disease in ASO test?
One more point to keep in mind is that too many people are exposed to these bacteria without being symptomatic, thus the presence of ASO by itself does not indicate the disease, but a titer of more than 166 Todd units in general is considered a definite elevation and positive ASO test in adults.
Can high ASO titre cause heart disease?
Furthermore, the risk of moderate to severe mitral insufficiency in patients with elevated ASO titers was 41.6 times higher than that in patients with normal ASO titers (p = 0.002, OR = 41.600, 95% CI: 3.867–447.559).
What is Streptolysin infection?
Bacteria called group A streptococcus (GAS) causes common infections such as strep throat and skin infections. GAS produces a toxic enzyme known as streptolysin O. Your immune system produces antibodies to fight this toxic enzyme. One of these antibodies is called antistreptolysin O (ASO).
What can cause high ASO?
If you have elevated levels of ASO antibodies, it means that you have probably had a recent strep infection. If your levels are taken again later and are higher, it also means you’ve probably had a recent strep infection.
What does high antistreptolysin O mean?
ASO antibodies will remain detectable in your blood for several months after an infection. If you have elevated levels of ASO antibodies, it means that you have probably had a recent strep infection. If your levels are taken again later and are higher, it also means you’ve probably had a recent strep infection.
Why is it important to determine the level of antibodies against Streptolysin O?
What is antistreptolysin O titer?
Antistreptolysin O Titer is a blood test used to determine if you have an infection caused by a group A streptococcus bacteria. Learn more about this test, when it’s needed, and what the results mean.
What is anti streptolysin O test?
Anti-Streptolysin O Optimal Result: 0 – 200 IU/ml. This test can help determine whether you have had a recent strep infection with the bacteria group A Streptococcus; to help diagnose complications resulting from a strep infection such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis, a form of kidney disease.
Can ASO titers help diagnose a strep infection?
Because antibodies don’t increase right away, the better test to use to diagnose a strep infection is the rapid strep test. ASO titers can help later, if your healthcare provider needs to prove that you’ve had a recent strep infection.
What does it mean if your Anti-streptolysin O result is too high?
What does it mean if your Anti-Streptolysin O result is too high? ASO antibodies are produced about a week to a month after an initial strep infection. The amount of ASO antibody (titer) peaks at about 3 to 5 weeks after the illness and then tapers off but may remain detectable for several months after the strep infection has resolved.