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.

Bartonella henselae IgG measures antibodies your immune system makes after exposure to the bacterium that causes most cases of cat-scratch disease. Results are reported as titers and must be read against your lab’s reference range: negative suggests no prior exposure, equivocal is unclear and usually merits a repeat test in 10–14 days, and positive indicates current or past exposure—on its own it does not prove active infection; a rising titer between two tests better supports a recent infection. Because IgG can persist for years and may cross-react with other Bartonella species, results should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and exam, and sometimes with additional tests (IgM or PCR), especially if illness is atypical, severe, or you’re immunocompromised. Most healthy people recover without complications; treatment decisions depend on your situation. To lower risk, promptly wash scratches or bites and use regular flea control for pets—testing healthy cats isn’t recommended.

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.

The Bartonella species (IgG) marker on a Bartonellosis panel plays a pivotal role in the serological diagnosis of infections caused by various Bartonella species, which include notable pathogens like Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. This test specifically targets Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are produced by the immune system as a later response to an infection. IgG antibodies typically develop within a few weeks post-exposure and can persist for months or years, providing long-term immunity and indicating either past exposure or a chronic infection.

The Bartonella species (IgM) marker, a crucial element in the diagnostic panel for Bartonellosis, is designed to detect specific Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the bloodstream, targeting various Bartonella species, including common pathogens like Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. IgM antibodies are the initial type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to an infection. Their presence in the blood usually indicates a recent or acute infection with Bartonella, as these antibodies typically appear within a few days to a week following exposure and can remain detectable for several months thereafter.

Bartonella vinsonii, a member of the genus Bartonella, is a proteobacterium that is the causative agent of Bartonellosis. The pathogen has been isolated in immunocompetent patients with endocarditis, arthritis, neurological disease and neoplasia . From animal studies it appears that Bartonella henselae is well adapted to felines or cats while Bartonella vinsonii is well adapted to canines or dogs though each species can infect both.

The Base Excess (ECF) - Arterial marker on Labcorp's Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Panel quantifies the amount of acid or base required to restore a liter of arterial blood to a normal pH of 7.40 at a PaCO2 of 40 mmHg and a temperature of 37°C. This value reflects the metabolic component of acid-base balance, independent of respiratory influences.

Clinical Significance

• Positive Base Excess: Indicates metabolic alkalosis, where there is an excess of base or a deficit of acid in the blood.

• Negative Base Excess: Suggests metabolic acidosis, characterized by an excess of acid or a loss of base.

O que são basófilos?

Os basófilos são um tipo de glóbulo branco que ajuda a defender o organismo contra alérgenos, patógenos e parasitas. Eles têm uma vida curta de um a dois dias e desempenham um papel fundamental na resposta imunológica.

Como granulócitos, os basófilos contêm histamina e heparina, que regulam a inflamação. A histamina dilata os vasos sanguíneos, desencadeando sintomas alérgicos como espirros e coriza, enquanto a heparina previne a coagulação excessiva do sangue.

Os basófilos também interagem com a imunoglobulina E (IgE), trabalhando junto com os mastócitos para liberar histamina e serotonina, amplificando as respostas alérgicas e inflamatórias.

Embora sejam poucos em número, os basófilos são essenciais para a defesa imunológica e reações alérgicas.

O que são Basófilos?

Os basófilos são um tipo de glóbulo branco (leucócito) que desempenha um papel essencial no seu sistema imunológico, especialmente na defesa do corpo contra alérgenos, patógenos e parasitas. Apesar de representarem menos de 1% dos seus glóbulos brancos, os basófilos são fundamentais para gerenciar reações alérgicas e respostas inflamatórias.

Características dos Basófilos

• Vida Útil Curta: Os basófilos vivem geralmente apenas um a dois dias na corrente sanguínea.
• Células Mononucleares: Possuem um único núcleo redondo.
• Granulócitos: Fazem parte da família dos granulócitos, ou seja, contêm grânulos — pequenas partículas cheias de enzimas como histamina e heparina. Essas enzimas são liberadas durante respostas imunológicas, particularmente em reações alérgicas.
• Exclusivo dos Basófilos: Os basófilos são os únicos glóbulos brancos que contêm histamina, um componente-chave nas reações alérgicas.

What Are Basophils?

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that helps defend against allergens, pathogens, and parasites. They have a short lifespan of one to two days and play a key role in the immune response.

As granulocytes, basophils contain histamine and heparin, which regulate inflammation. Histamine widens blood vessels, triggering allergy symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, while heparin prevents excessive blood clotting.

Basophils also interact with immunoglobulin E (IgE), working alongside mast cells to release histamine and serotonin, amplifying allergic and inflammatory responses.

Though small in number, basophils are essential for immune defense and allergic reactions.