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Baylisspiggserqlia

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This blood test checks for antibodies against Baylisascaris, a rare parasitic roundworm that can cause serious nervous system infections.

Quick summary

{"Detects IgG antibodies indicating prior or current exposure to Baylisascaris parasite","Used to diagnose rare but severe infections affecting the brain and spinal cord","A positive result suggests exposure, but your doctor will interpret based on your symptoms","Infection is rare and often associated with exposure to raccoon droppings"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
74844-2
Short code
BAYAB
Synonyms
Baylis sp IgG Ser Ql IA
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) for detection of IgG antibodies to Baylisascaris sp. antigens
CPT
86682
SNOMED
313639002
Specimen volume
1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples may affect results.
Hemolysis max
100
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
50
TAT
48–168 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Baylisascaris antibody test is a blood test that looks for IgG antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced by your immune system if you have been exposed to Baylisascaris procyonis, a parasitic roundworm commonly found in raccoons. The test uses a method called immunoassay to detect whether these specific antibodies are present in your serum (the liquid part of your blood).

Why might I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a nervous system infection and there is a possibility you have been exposed to areas where raccoons live or have contacted raccoon droppings. Symptoms of Baylisascaris infection (called neural larva migrans) can include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. This infection is very rare but can be serious.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a laboratory where technicians test it for the presence of IgG antibodies against Baylisascaris. The process is similar to routine blood tests and takes only a few minutes.

What do the results mean?

Results are reported as 'Positive' or 'Negative' for the presence of Baylisascaris IgG antibodies. A positive result indicates that your immune system has produced antibodies in response to exposure to the parasite. However, a positive result does not always mean you have an active infection. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to determine if you have a true infection.

Reference range

Negative: No IgG antibodies detected to Baylisascaris sp. Positive: IgG antibodies detected, suggesting exposure to Baylisascaris sp. (raccoon roundworm). Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, exposure history, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis including eosinophilia.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation required. Inform the laboratory of relevant clinical history including potential exposure to raccoons or contaminated soil, neurological symptoms, and any travel history.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is this test dangerous?
No, the test only requires a routine blood draw, which carries minimal risks such as slight bruising or soreness at the needle site. Serious complications are extremely rare.
How do people get infected with Baylisascaris?
Humans become infected by accidentally ingesting parasite eggs from environments contaminated with raccoon feces. This can happen through contact with soil, sand, or objects that have been contaminated. The eggs then hatch in the intestine, and the larvae can travel to various organs, including the brain and eyes.
Will I need any other tests?
Yes, your doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, including imaging studies like MRI of the brain, spinal fluid analysis (lumbar puncture), and other blood tests. These help assess the extent of the infection and guide treatment.
Is the infection treatable?
Yes, Baylisascaris infection is treated with anti-parasitic medications such as albendazole, often combined with anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain. Early treatment offers the best chance for recovery.
  1. 1
    CDC - Baylisascaris procyonis (Raccoon Roundworms)Source
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Test CatalogSource
  3. 3
    MedlinePlus - Raccoon Roundworm InfectionSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy