Antistreptolysin Titre Quantitative Automated Blood

Antistreptolysin titre test is used to measure the quantity of antistreptolysin antibodies from a sample of blood from an individual.

What is Antistreptolysin?

Infection of an individual with Group A Streptococcal bacteria causes strep infection of the throat during which an individual may experience symptoms like swelling and soreness of the throat, fever, weakness, etc. These bacteria can also cause skin infections like cellulitis, impetigo, pyoderma, etc. Usually, the bacterial infections resolve upon treating with antibiotics. If left untreated the bacteria can infect other tissues within the body and cause diseases like rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis(kidney damage), heart damage, hypertension (increase in blood pressure), etc.Especially in children.

Streptolysin is the toxic enzyme produced by the streptococcal bacteria. Upon infection, the immune system produces antistreptolysin antibodies as a response to fight against the disease-causing bacteria.

Why is this test is recommended?

This test is recommended by the doctor to check for certain diseases or conditions like streptococcal infections, rheumatoid fever, pericarditis, glomerulonephritis, strep throat, impetigo, cellulitis, etc.

Antistreptolysin antibodies test is recommended by the doctor if an individual experiences signs and symptoms like fever, rashes, pain and swelling of the joints, chest pain, weakness and fatigue, bloody or cloudy urine, etc.

Frequency:

If diagnosed with a streptococcal infection, your doctor may recommend this test to be done once every 2-3 weeks to check the effectiveness of the treatment or the stage of the progression of the bacterial infection.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions and other factors.

If the test results are above/more than the normal range, then it may indicate that there may be a chance for an active strep infection or the medicines are not effective in treating the infection If diagnosed already.

If the test results are below/less than the normal range, then it may indicate the absence of a bacterial infection or the treatment is effective in managing the infection which was diagnosed already. The Blood levels of antistreptolysin antibodies can also be elevated in conditions like glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid fever, especially in children.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.