How do you read a pertussis titer test?
0.9 IV or less: Negative – No significant level of detectable Bordetella pertussis IgA antibody. 1.0-1.1 IV: Equivocal – Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful. 1.2 IV or greater: Positive – IgA antibody to Bordetella pertussis detected, which may indicate a current or past exposure/immunization to B. pertussis.
What does a positive pertussis test mean?
A positive PCR test means that it is likely that the person has pertussis. However, the PCR test may also be positive with other Bordetella species. A negative PCR test means that it is less likely that the person has pertussis but does not rule it out.
What does a high B pertussis IgG AB mean?
Positive (> or =100 IU/mL): IgG antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT) detected. Results suggest recent infection with or recent vaccination against Bordetella pertussis.
Can whooping cough be misdiagnosed?
Serious illness or complications from whooping cough are almost unheard of in these age groups. Most people never seek medical attention. If they do, doctors may misdiagnose pertussis symptoms as bronchitis or asthma. Despite the mildness of their illness, however, adults with pertussis are still infectious.
How accurate is pertussis test?
Clinicians commonly use several types of laboratory tests to diagnose Bordetella pertussis. Scientists consider culture the gold standard because it is the only 100% specific method for identification.
What other respiratory illnesses mimic whooping cough?
Beware: there are other diseases that can mimic pertussis: Adenoviruses, parainfluenza and influenza viruses, enteroviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus can cause a predominantly cough illness.
What is pertussis IgG?
With blood testing, pertussis IgG antibodies will be present in those who have been vaccinated or have had a past infection. IgM and IgA antibodies may indicate recent vaccination or infection and will only be present for a short period of time (2-3 months).