COCCI LA/ID ANTIBODY SYSTEM

Each type of serological test is effective in different stages of the disease. Latex and complement fixation tests effectively detect IgM antibodies which are produced during the early stages of infection, but no later in the disease. Immunodiffusion tests primarily detect IgG antibodies, which begin to appear 2-6 weeks after infection and remain throughout, and IgA which are generally produced in the late chronic infections. Screening suspect cases using both latex and immunodiffusion yields positive results in over 90% of confirmed cases.

LA-COCCI ANTIBODY SYSTEM

Antibodies in the serum of patients infected with C.immitis will agglutinate the antigen coated latex particles contained in this system. Specimens are usually positive early in the course of primary infection and become negative within the few months of a chronic infection (e.g. the tests detect primarily antibodies of the IgM class)

ID-COCCI ANTIBODY SYSTEM

Immunodiffusion tests are used for the detection of precipitating antibodies (primarily of the IgG and IgA classes) against antigens of C.immitis. The presence of precipitating antibodies indicates active or recent infection.