Bartonella henselae Elispot

Bartonella henselae EliSpot AONM/ArminLabs

"AONM have checklists that help identify the most likely viral or bacterial infections to test for, based on patient symptoms. Please see https://aonm.org/checklists-for-testing/ or contact AONM at 03331 210305 or email info@aonm.org. We also offer different viral and bacterial panels, and are always happy to advise on testing options."

Please note this test requires a blood draw, please organise a phlebotomist for your patient. A return courier fee of £50 is included in this test price

Description:

This test reflects the current Bartonella henselae activity of chronic and recent Bartonella henselae infections.

Bartonella species are vector-transmitted, blood-borne, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria that can induce prolonged infections in the host.

The EliSpot is highly sensitive and can detect even one single Bartonella henselae-reactive T-cell. With detection levels that can be as low as one cell in 100,000, the EliSpot is one of the most sensitive cellular assays available.

Methodology: Bartonella henselae EliSpot (T-Cell-Spot / IGRA: Interferon-Gamma-Release Assay)

When should I use: When a recent or chronic case of Bartonella henselae infection is suspected.

Other details:

AONM have checklists that help identify the most likely viral or bacterial infections to test for, based on patient symptoms. Please see https://aonm.org/checklists-for-testing/ or contact AONM at 03331 210305 or email info@aonm.org. We also offer different viral and bacterial panels and are always happy to advise on testing options.

The EliSpot can be helpful when monitoring therapies. The EliSpot should usually become negative about 4 to 8 weeks after the completion of an effective therapy.

The symptoms of Bartonella henselae infection can include:

Typical symptoms:

Papulae/rash and regional lymphadenopathy

Atypical symptoms:

Tiredness (nearly 100%), headache (80%), muscle twitches and tremors, seizures, fever in the mornings (30%, in phases up to six weeks, otherwise 1-3 weeks), chills, skin pain, swollen lymph nodes, arthralgia (often), myalgia, insomnia, depression, agitation, severe mood swings, lack of concentration and alertness, dizziness, anxiety, outbursts, antisocial behaviour, restlessness, gastritis, intestinal symptoms, sore soles (especially in the morning), tender subcutaneous nodules along the extremities, occasional lymphadenopathy and light sweats

In some cases, Bartonella henselae can cause more severe symptoms, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Biomarkers

Bartonella henselae EliSpot

Specification

Specimen Type:

3 x CPDA tube

Vitality of T-cells for LTT: Up to 3 days

Phlebotomy Type:

Blood draw at home or in a clinical setting