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What is this test?

The Rickettsia Spotted Fever Group Antibody Test is a blood test that looks for specific antibodies in your blood serum. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight infections. This test detects two types of antibodies: IgM (which appear first during an infection) and IgG (which appear later and provide long-term immunity).

What is Rickettsia Spotted Fever?

Rickettsia spotted fever group includes several types of bacteria transmitted by ticks, fleas, or mites. Common diseases in this group include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, and Japanese spotted fever. These infections typically cause fever, headache, rash (often including palms and soles), and can be severe if not treated promptly with antibiotics.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will test your serum (the liquid part of blood after it clots) to detect and measure the level of IgG and IgM antibodies against Rickettsia organisms.

What do the results mean?

Results are reported as titers, which indicate the highest dilution of your blood sample that still shows a positive reaction. A four-fold increase in antibody titer between two samples taken 2-4 weeks apart typically indicates a recent or current infection. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results along with your symptoms, exposure history, and physical examination findings.

Why is this test ordered?

This test is ordered when you have symptoms suggestive of spotted fever rickettsial infection, especially if you have been exposed to ticks or have recently traveled to areas where these infections are common. It helps confirm the diagnosis, as symptoms can be similar to other illnesses like typhoid, measles, or dengue fever.