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Epic Code LAB1230053 Strongyloides Antibody, IgG, Serum

Additional Codes

Mayo Test Code: STRNG

Epic: LAB 1230053

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Screening for the presence of IgG-class antibodies to Strongyloides

 

This test is not useful for monitoring patient response to therapy as IgG-class antibodies to Strongyloides may remain detectable following resolution of infection.

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Laboratory Test Directory Note:

COLLECTION NOTE: Volumes listed are in serum or plasma, draw approximately 2 1/2 times the requested volume in whole blood.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.4 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 30 days
  Frozen  30 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject
Heat inactivated specimen Reject

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Clinical Information

Strongyloidiasis is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode endemic to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. S stercoralis is also prominent in the southeastern United States, including in rural areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. A small series of epidemiological studies in the United States identified that 0% to 6.1% of individuals sampled had antibodies to S stercoralis.

 

S stercoralis has a complex lifecycle that begins with maturation to the infective filariform larva in warm, moist soil. The larvae subsequently penetrate exposed skin and migrate hematogenously to the lungs, from where they ascend the bronchial tree and are swallowed. Once in the small intestine, filariform larva matures into the adult worms that burrow into the mucosa. Gravid female worms produce eggs that develop into noninfectious rhabditiform larvae in the gastrointestinal tract and are eventually released in the stool. The time from dermal penetration to appearance of Strongyloides in stool samples is approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

 

The most common manifestations of infection are mild and may include epigastric pain, mild diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. At the site of filariform penetration, skin may be inflamed and itchy-this is referred to as "ground itch." Migration of the larva through the lungs and up the trachea can produce a dry cough, wheezing, and mild hemoptysis. Eosinophilia, though common among patients with strongyloidiasis, is not a universal finding, and the absence of eosinophilia cannot be used to rule-out infection.

 

In some patients, particularly those with a depressed immune system, the rhabditiform larvae may mature into the infectious filariform larvae in the gastrointestinal tract and lead to autoinfection. The filariform larvae subsequently penetrate the gastrointestinal mucosa, migrate to the lungs, and can complete their lifecycle. Low-level autoinfection can maintain the nematode in the host for years to decades. Among patients who become severely immunocompromised, however, autoinfection may lead to hyperinfection and fatal disseminated disease. Hyperinfection has also been associated with underlying human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection. Uncontrolled, the larvae can disseminate to the lungs, heart, liver, and central nervous system. Septicemia and meningitis are common in cases of Strongyloides hyperinfection due to seeding of the bloodstream and central nervous system with bacteria originating from the gastrointestinal tract.

Cautions

False-positive results may occur with other helminth infections, including prior exposure to Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris, Taenia solium, Fasciola species, Echinococcus species, Schistosoma species, and Toxocara (per assay manufacturer).

 

This assay should not be used alone to establish a diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Results should be correlated with other laboratory findings and through clinical evaluation.

 

False-negative results may occur during acute or localized infection. A single negative result should not be used to rule-out infection.

 

The seroprevalence of IgG-class antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis ranges from 0% to 6.1% in the United States.

Interpretation

Positive:

IgG antibodies to Strongyloides were detected, suggesting current or past infection. False-positive results may occur with other helminth infections (eg, Trichinella, Taenia solium). Clinical correlation is required.

 

Negative:

No detectable levels of IgG antibodies to Strongyloides. Repeat testing in 10 to 14 days if clinically indicated.

Reporting Name

Strongyloides Ab, IgG, S

Method Name

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Method Description

The Bordier Strongyloides ratti IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is an enzymatically amplified sandwich-type immunoassay. After a blocking step, diluted serum and controls are incubated in antigen-coated microtiter wells, then washed and incubated with antihuman-IgG antibody labeled with protein A-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. After a washing step, the wells are incubated with phosphatase substrate. The reaction is halted by potassium phosphate stopping solution and the degree of enzymatic turnover is determined by absorbance measured at 405 nanometers with a reference filter of 590 to 650 nm.(Package insert: Strongyloides Ratti Enzyme immunoassay for the diagnosis of human Strongyloidosis. Bordier Affinity Products SA; 01/2018)

CPT Code Information

86682

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
STRNG Strongyloides Ab, IgG, S 34376-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
STRNG Strongyloides Ab, IgG, S 80660-4

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

Clinical Reference

1. Ramanathan R, Burbelo PD, Groot S, et al: A luciferase immunoprecipitation systems assay enhances the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection. J Infect Dis. 2008;198(3):444-451

2. Starr MC, Montgomery SP: Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis in the United States: a systematic review-1940-2010. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011;85(4):680-684

3. Krolewiecki AJ, Ramanathan R, Fink V, et al: Improved diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis using recombinant antigen-based serologies in a community-wide study in northern Argentina. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2010;17(10):1624-1630

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global Health. Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria: Parasites-Strongyloides: Epidemiology and Risk Factors. CDC; Updated December 31, 2018. Accessed October 15, 2020. Available at www.cdc.gov/parasites/strongyloides/epi.html

Highlights

This assay detects IgG-class antibodies only.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.