Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) – IgG

Detection of IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia chaffeensis by IFA.

• Ehrlichiosis

Fresh human serum. 

Minimum volume required is 0.25 mL. 

Hyperlipemic, hemolytic or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 ml screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimens refrigerated up to 5 days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry ice or with freezer packs.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Appropriate clinical symptoms with known exposure to Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star) tick in Canada OR travel to United States. The symptoms of infection with Ehrlichia chaffeensis usually develop 1-2 weeks after being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms may include fever, headache, chilles, malaise, myalgia, nausea / vomiting / diarrhea, confusion, conjunctival injection and rash.

Completed Requisition for Serological Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information and travel history. This test is performed for investigational purposes.

Commercially prepared IFA reagents. This is a semi-quantitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to E. chaffeensis.  A four-fold or greater increase in IgG titre between two serum samples drawn 1 to 2 weeks is considered presumptive evidence of a recent or current infection with E. chaffeensis. An IgG endpoint greater than 1:64 alone should not be relied on for a diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing.

21 calendar days.
 

1. Dumler, J.S., Madigan, J.E., Pusteria, N., Bakken, J.S. 2007. Ehrlichiosis in humans: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. Clin. Inf. Dis. 45:S45-51.