Coxsackie A Virus Antibody Profile, IgG, IgM

Serum

1 mL

0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Gel-barrier tube or red-top tube

This assay uses indirect immunofluorescence to determine IgG and IgM titers to Coxsackie A serotypes A7, A9, A16, and A24. Recent infections of Coxsackie viruses are characterized by elevated titers of IgG and IgM.

A positive test result does not necessarily indicate current or recent infection as antibodies to Coxsackie species can be detected in uninfected individuals due to moderate passive exposure to infected hosts. It is, therefore, crucial that results from all Coxsackie A serologies correlate with the clinical history of the patient and all other data available to the physician. Samples collected at the early stage of infection (primarily in children) may not yield detectable antibodies. If a recent infection is suspected, a second specimen should be collected 10 to 20 days following the initial collection and tested.

Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA)

Coxsackie viruses are enteroviruses belonging to the Picornavirus family, which is comprised of strains A and B as well as various serotypes A1-22, 24, and B1-6. Following incubation, a variety of well known diseases can manifest themselves within the host. Coxsackie A is commonly associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease, which primarily affects children younger than 10 years of age. In rare cases, Coxsackie infections may produce mild or subclinical symptoms, yet most infections trigger the onset of flu-like ailments but may include symptoms of other diseases along the lines of pneumonia, hepatitis, and meningitis.