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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 8230:
Histoplasma Antibody, Spinal Fluid

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Histoplasma capsulatum is a soil saprophyte that grows well in soil enriched with bird droppings. The usual disease is self-limited, affects the lungs, and is asymptomatic. Chronic cavitary pulmonary disease, disseminated disease, and meningitis may occur and can be fatal, especially in young children and immunosuppressed patients.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Aiding in the diagnosis of Histoplasma meningitis

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Any positive serologic result in spinal fluid is significant.

 

Simultaneous appearance of the H and M precipitin bands indicates active histoplasmosis.

 

The M band alone indicates active or chronic disease or a recent skin test for histoplasmosis.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Antibody levels may be low in spinal fluid in cases of Histoplasma meningitis.

 

Histoplasmin skin tests yield specific antibodies in titratable quantity, and may cause difficulties in interpretation.

 

Cross-reacting antibodies with coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis may cause false-positive results for Histoplasmosis.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Mycelial by CF: negative (positives reported as titer)

Yeast by CF: negative (positives reported as titer)

Antibody by immunodiffusion: negative (positives reported as band present)

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Kaufman L, Kovacs JA, Reiss E: Clinical immunomycology. In Manual of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology, Washington, DC, ASM Press.1997