Coccidioides Ab, IgM, EIA

Coccidioides Ab, IgM, EIA refers to a laboratory test that detects IgM antibodies against the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which causes coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever. This test is used to diagnose and monitor infections caused by this fungus.

IgM antibodies are produced as a body’s first response to a new infection or to a new “non-self” antigen, providing short-term protection. They increase for several weeks and then decline as IgG production begins.

Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides. The fungus is known to live in the soil in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. The fungus was also recently found in south-central Washington. People can get Valley fever by breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air, although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick. Usually, people who get sick with Valley fever will get better on their own within weeks to months, but some people will need antifungal medication. Certain groups of people are at higher risk for becoming severely ill. It’s difficult to prevent exposure to Coccidioides in areas where it’s common in the environment, but people who are at higher risk for severe Valley fever should try to avoid breathing in large amounts of dust if they’re in these areas.

Results are reported in EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) units. A positive result indicates the presence of IgM antibodies in response to Coccidioides infection, while a negative result suggests their absence. The level of antibodies can help assess the stage of infection. Different laboratories may have specific cutoff values for positivity.