Aspergillus IgM Antibody

Respiratory diseases are an outcome of infection caused by pathogens such as fungus. Aspergillosis is one such type of fungus that affects your respiratory system. Aspergillus, the mould that causes such an infection, can be present everywhere. So, people with certain risk factors require regular medical evaluations to detect Aspergillus antibodies in their systems.

Here are the risk factors associated with the condition that leads to the activation of IgM antibodies:

• Weak immune system
• Asthma
• Low levels of white blood cells
• Air spaces in the lungs

You are more susceptible to aspergillosis if you have the above health conditions. To fight the infection, your body produces antibodies in the blood. Depending on the extent of the illness, this disease falls into the following categories:

• Aspergilloma: Can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue
• Allergy: This condition can cause fever and other symptoms
• Invasive aspergillosis: The infection spreads from the lungs to the brain, skin, and other parts

To identify the illness, Aspergillus IgM Antibody testing is highly crucial. This testing detects the onset of invasive aspergillosis by analysing IgM antibodies in your blood which allows your doctor to recommend timely treatment to stop the spread of the infection.

Generally, an Aspergillus IgM Antibody detection test requires a sample of your blood. An aspergillus antibody positive result indicates high levels of the antibody.

The IgM antibodies can have more clinical utility than other counterparts. Aspergillus IgM Antibody can be a crucial biomarker for diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). In addition to the Aspergillus IgM antibody test, you might even need a tissue biopsy to analyse the tissues of your body under a microscope.

After assessing the quantity of IgM antibodies, your doctor can also require a chest X-ray. The imaging can reveal the extent and spread of aspergillosis to your lungs. Generally, treatment for this condition varies from person to person. Your doctor can recommend one of the following options:

• Antifungal medications like voriconazole
• Surgery
• Embolisation

Apollo 24|7 provides this testing at competitive rates. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhil Modi, Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.