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Brucella IgM in Chennai
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Test(s) Included (1)
- BRUCELLA IGM
1 test included
About
BLOOD
Both
7 years & above
Brucella is a kind of bacteria that leads to the spread of an infectious disease known as 'Brucellosis.' The bacteria have many strains and are usually found in animals like cows, goats, pigs, camels, sheep, and dogs. Recently, the strain was also found in red fox and some marine animals.
Brucella passes on from animals to humans when they come in contact with a diseased animal or infected animal product. It may also spread from one person to another. Breastfeeding mothers infected with brucellosis may pass on the bacteria to their young infants. Additionally, sexual contact between an infected and non-infected person can also spread it.
The bacteria usually enter your body through:
- A scratch or open cut on your skin
- Contaminated air
- Undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk laced with bacteria
- Touching the body fluids or blood of an infected animal
The following four bacteria strains of brucella affect humans:
- B. melitensis: This bacteria is primarily found in goats and sheep and causes a maximum number of brucellosis cases in humans. This is also the one that most commonly occurs in India.
- B. Suis: This strain of bacteria is present in wild pigs.
- B. Canis: This form of brucellosis infection spreads in dogs.
- B. Abortus: This bacteria strain comes from cattle and is common worldwide.
You may have brucellosis if you experience the following symptoms:
- Chills
- Fever
- Sweats
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache
- Pain in muscles, joints, and back
Sometimes these symptoms may disappear for several weeks and then re-appear. People may also suffer from long-term brucellosis. Its symptoms may persist over the years, despite treatment. These symptoms might be:
- Recurrent fevers
- Fatigue
- Joint inflammation or arthritis
- Endocarditis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers
- Sacroiliitis, a condition that causes arthritis in joints where the pelvis connects with the spine
- Spondylitis, also known as the spinal bones’ arthritis
Since the symptoms of brucellosis are much like any regular flu, it's hard to distinguish between the two in the early stages. However, if your fever persists or you experience severe weakness or intense muscle aches, it's wise to seek medical attention.
Your doctor will likely to order a 'brucella IgM’ test. Getting this test will help:
- Confirm if you are suffering from brucellosis
- Measure the count of brucella antibody (IgM) in your blood
- Determine the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment to ensure the treatment plan is on-track
Apollo 24|7 offers a safe and reliable brucella IgM test. It can be quickly done, right from the comfort of your home. Book your brucella IgM test today!
Top Tests with Brucella IgM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Brucella IgG Test used for?
The Brucella IgG test detects IgG antibodies produced in response to Brucella bacteria, helping diagnose past or chronic brucellosis infections. Since IgG antibodies remain in the bloodstream long after the infection clears, this test is useful for identifying previous exposure rather than an active infection. It is commonly used in individuals with persistent symptoms or suspected long-term infection.
Can the Brucella IgG Test detect an active infection?
The Brucella IgG test primarily indicates past exposure or chronic infection, but it does not confirm an active disease on its own. To diagnose a recent or acute infection, doctors often perform the Brucella IgM test, as IgM antibodies appear earlier in the immune response. Additionally, tests such as Brucella PCR or blood cultures may be needed to detect current bacterial presence.
What does a positive Brucella IgG result mean
A positive Brucella IgG result suggests a person has been exposed to Brucella bacteria and may have developed a chronic infection or retained antibodies from a past infection. However, it does not confirm whether the bacteria are still active, so further testing, such as IgM detection or bacterial cultures, is required to assess ongoing infection risk. In some cases, elevated IgG levels may indicate persistent infection requiring medical evaluation.
Can medications affect Brucella IgG test results?
Certain medications and health conditions can influence Brucella IgG test results by altering antibody levels. Immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy agents, may reduce immune response, potentially leading to false-negative results. Additionally, prolonged antibiotic use can interfere with antibody production, affecting test accuracy. If you are undergoing treatment that affects immune function, inform your doctor beforehand to ensure correct result interpretation.
How do Brucella tests differ
Brucella tests serve different purposes based on whether the goal is to detect active, recent, or past infection. The Brucella IgM test detects early-stage infection, as IgM antibodies develop shortly after exposure. The Brucella IgG test identifies past or chronic infections, as IgG antibodies remain in the body long after recovery, but do not confirm active disease. The Brucella Agglutination Test measures total antibody levels, helping distinguish between active and past infections. The Brucella PCR test directly detects Brucella bacterial DNA, providing conclusive evidence of an ongoing infection. Since brucellosis symptoms vary, doctors often combine multiple tests for a more comprehensive diagnosis.