Band neutrophils are the immature form of a white blood cell found in our bodies. All white blood cells act as a defense mechanism against stress and infection. An unusually high level of band neutrophils typically indicates the presence of a bacterial infection or inflammation of tissue. 

BARIUM SOURCES:

Radiologic testing contrast, paint, bricks, ceramics, glass and rubber. Air, water, and food. Fish and aquatic organisms can accumulate barium.

BARIUM NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Barium toxicity can induce severe hypokalemia.

Hair may be used to evaluate exposure to barium (Ba). Exogenous contamination has been observed from bath water containing Ba. Elevated levels of hair Ba are often observed as a result of exposure to Ba for diagnostic medical tests.

Urinary barium (Ba) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the toxic metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. The main dietary sources of Ba include milk, flour, potatoes and some nuts and nut butters. Brazil nuts naturally contain high concentrations of Ba (e.g. 1,500 μg/g), and their recent consumption may be transiently associated with clinically insignificant elevations of urinary Ba.

Other sources of exposure to Ba include contaminated water, air or soil. Ba has been used in rodenticides and insecticides, and is used for medical testing (barium “swallow” for imaging). Mining, refining and combustion of coal and oil emit Ba. Mine-tailings and masonry products made from such can be a significant source of Ba to individuals producing or working with them (e.g. reconstruction, demolition).

Barium is a silvery-white metal found in nature. Barium compounds are used to make paint, bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber; used by the oil and gas industries in drilling muds; and sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests.

Barium is a silvery-white metal found in nature. Barium compounds are used to make paint, bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber; used by the oil and gas industries in drilling muds; and sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests.

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).