Barium is used in X-ray contrast media and in some salts for enemas. Many foods contain small concentrations of barium, and it responds somewhat like calcium, magnesium, and strontium to physiological controls. Symptoms of high barium include gastrointestinal complaints, muscle weakness, facial numbness, and hypotension. Treatments for high barium include oral sodium sulfate. Serum potassium levels should also be checked and treat hypokalemia, if present.

Barnesiella ssp. is a small group of two species of bacteria that are usually only found at reasonably low levels in the gut.

The Bartonella genus (IgG) marker test is an integral component of the diagnostic panel for Bartonellosis, a group of infectious diseases caused by various species within the Bartonella genus, such as Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. This serological assay is specifically designed to detect Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against Bartonella antigens in the patient's serum. IgG antibodies are the most abundant type of antibody found in blood circulation and are primarily responsible for long-term immunity and pathogen neutralization. The presence of IgG antibodies to Bartonella typically indicates either a past infection or a chronic, ongoing infection, as these antibodies generally develop several weeks post-infection and can persist for months or years.

Bartonellosis, a group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria of the Bartonella genus, can be diagnosed using serological panels that include the Bartonella genus (IgM) marker test. This test is designed to detect Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood, which are produced by the immune system as an early response to a Bartonella infection. Bartonella species, including Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana, are known to cause diseases such as cat scratch disease, trench fever, and bacillary angiomatosis.

Bartonella henselae, a species within the Bartonella genus, is a proteobacterium responsible for bartonellosis, which includes conditions such as Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) and Bacillary Angiomatosis (BA). Human infection is most commonly transmitted through scratches or bites from companion animals, particularly cats and dogs. Symptoms of B. henselae infection typically appear within ten days of exposure, beginning with a papule (a small raised bump) at the site of entry. This is usually followed by swollen lymph nodes, most often in the armpit (axillary) region. About half of infected individuals also experience general symptoms such as body aches, nausea, abdominal pain, and overall malaise.

What is Bartonella henselae 26 kDa – IgG?

Bartonella henselae is a bacterial species known for causing Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) as well as other systemic or chronic infections in certain individuals. It is primarily transmitted through scratches or bites from cats, but it may also be spread via fleas or ticks.

The 26 kDa – IgG test detects the presence of IgG antibodies to a 26-kilodalton (kDa) protein expressed by Bartonella henselae. IgG antibodies generally appear weeks after infection and can remain in the body for months or even years, indicating a long-term immune response.

What is Bartonella henselae 26 kDa – IgM?

Bartonella henselae is a bacterial species best known for causing Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) and can also lead to more serious or chronic infections in some individuals. It is most commonly transmitted through scratches or bites from cats, but it can also be spread through fleas or ticks.

The 26 kDa – IgM test detects IgM antibodies directed against a 26-kilodalton protein produced by Bartonella henselae. IgM is the first type of antibody the body produces in response to infection, usually appearing within 1–2 weeks after initial exposure. Because of this, a positive result may signal a recent or active infection.

What Does a Medium Result Mean?

A medium IgM result indicates a moderate level of early antibodies, which may reflect:

• An early-stage infection, where the immune response is still developing

• A waning infection, with IgM levels beginning to decline

• A borderline or nonspecific reaction, which should be interpreted carefully

Medium results are not diagnostic by themselves and should be considered alongside clinical symptoms, IgG antibody levels, and other relevant testing such as PCR (which detects bacterial DNA).

Bartonella henselae Ab, IgG is a blood test that measures the level of IgG antibodies against the bacteria Bartonella henselae, which is commonly associated with cat scratch disease. IgG antibodies are produced by the immune system as a response to a past or ongoing infection, indicating that the person has been exposed to the bacteria. A positive IgG result suggests a previous infection with Bartonella henselae and that the body has developed immunity to it, although it may also indicate a chronic or persistent infection. Typically, this test is used to help diagnose cat scratch disease, which can cause symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue, particularly in people who have had contact with cats or have been scratched or bitten by one.

Bartonella henselae Ab, IgM is a blood test marker used to detect the presence of IgM antibodies against the Bartonella henselae bacteria, which is the cause of cat scratch disease and other Bartonella-related infections. The IgM antibodies are part of the immune system's early response to an infection, and their presence usually indicates a recent or ongoing infection with Bartonella henselae. When someone has symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a history of being scratched or bitten by a cat, this test helps diagnose Bartonella infection by confirming that the body is actively fighting the bacteria. A positive IgM result suggests a recent infection, while a negative result might indicate either no infection or a past infection where IgM antibodies have already declined.

Several species of Bartonella bacteria cause disease in people. Infection with any one of these bacteria is referred to broadly as bartonellosis, although some forms of infection also have common names (for example, cat scratch disease). 

Bartonella bacteria are spread to humans by fleas, body lice, sand flies, or contact with flea-infested animals. There is no evidence that ticks spread Bartonella infection to people. In the United States, the most common form of bartonellosis is caused by Bartonella henselae.