Blastomyces dermatitidis Antibodies by EIA with Reflex to Immunodiffusion, Serum

Diagnosis of Blastomycosis relies on a combination of assays, including culture and molecular testing on appropriate specimens and serologic evaluation for both antibodies to and antigen released from Blastomyces. Although culture remains the gold standard method and is highly specific, the organism can take several days to weeks to grow, and sensitivity is diminished in cases of acute or localized disease. Similarily, molecular testing offers high specificity and a rapid turnaround time, however, sensitivity is imperfect. Detection of an antibody response to Blastomyces offers high specificity, however, results may be falsely negative in acutely infected patients and in immunosuppressed patients.

A positive result indicates that IgG and/or IgM antibodies to Blastomyces were detected. The presence of antibodies is presumptive evidence that the patient was or is currently infected with (or was exposed to) Blastomyces. A negative result indicates that antibodies to Blastomyces were not detected. The absence of antibodies is presumptive evidence that the patient was not infected with Blastomyces. However, the specimen may have been obtained before antibodies were detectable or the patient may be immunosuppressed. If infection is suspected, another specimen should be collected 7 to 14 days later and submitted for testing.