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BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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Anti Streptolysin O Titer

(ASO)

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Anti Streptolysin O Titer

What is Anti Streptolysin O Titer?

Anti Streptolysin O (ASO) titer is a method to detect bacterial infection in the body caused by Streptococcus bacteria. This test measures the amount of antibodies produced against streptolysin O, a substance produced by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is recommended in case of symptoms such as fever, joint pain, rashes and shortness of breath.
Early diagnosis is crucial as lack of symptoms or late diagnosis may lead to some complications such as rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis (kidney disease) and bacterial endocarditis (heart inflammation).
A negative test during the initial weeks of infection does not always rule out the possibility of a streptococcal infection. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to get tested again after 2 weeks.

What is Anti Streptolysin O Titer used for?

The ASO Titer Test is performed:

· To help determine if conditions like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis have occurred as complications of a Streptococcus infection

· To determine the presence of a Streptococcus infection in case the patient has received antibiotics

What does Anti Streptolysin O Titer measure?

The ASO Titer Test detects and measures the level of ASO in blood to determine the presence of an infection by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Streptococcus pyogenes or Group A Streptococcus is a bacteria which causes a number of infections like throat infections, skin infections like pyoderma, etc. These infections are easily recognizable and treated with the help of antibiotics. However, if the Streptococcus infection is left untreated or is treated improperly, it may lead to complications like rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, scarlet fever, heart and kidney damage, joint inflammation, swelling, etc.

Symptoms caused by an infection of Group A Streptococcus bacteria are caused mainly due to a toxin called Streptolysin O which is secreted by these bacteria. The body produces antibodies against Streptolysin O called Antistreptolysin O (ASO). Production of ASO antibodies by the body can begin anytime from a week to a month after an infection. Levels peak after about 3 to 5 weeks after the condition develops, after which they slowly taper off as the condition resolves. Increase in ASO levels is greater in case of throat infections than in skin infections.

Interpreting Anti Streptolysin O Titer results

Interpretations

Normal ASO level:

Children (up to 12 years of age): Below 150 IU/ml

Adults (above 12 years of age): Below 200 IU/ml

Higher than normal ASO levels indicate an infection of Streptococcus bacteria.

Low ASO titer indicates no recent infection. This is confirmed if the low levels persist in the subsequent test performed after 10 to 15 days. Other tests like Anti-Dnase B Test can also be performed.

Higher than normal ASO titer levels and continuously rising ASO titer in subsequent tests indicates a recent and ongoing infection.

High ASO levels which decline subsequently indicate a Streptococcus infection which is resolving or being cured.

A positive result in the ASO test (Higher than normal ASO levels) confirms a past Streptococcal infection. A positive result can thus help in the diagnosis of conditions like Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN), Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS), and rheumatic fever.

Note: ASO Test results may be negative (within normal range) in upto 20% of the patients suffering from Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF). Other tests may be performed to confirm the condition in these cases.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti Streptolysin O Titer

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti Streptolysin O Titer

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal ASO test result?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal ASO Titer test result are: · Anti-DNase B Test · Antihyaluronidase Test · Anti-Streptozyme Test · Rapid Streptococcal Antigen Test · Culture Tests (Throat, Sputum, or other tissues)

Q. What factors can affect ASO test results?

The ASO test results can be affected by: · Certain medications like antibiotics and corticosteroids · Bacterial contamination of sample · Liver diseases

Q. What complications may be caused by Streptococcus infection?

Infection of Streptococcus bacteria can cause the following complications: · Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) · Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN) · Impetigo · Scarlet Fever · Cellulitis · Toxic Shock Syndrome · Oedema or swelling due to fluid accumulation · Hypertension or high blood pressure

Q. What is Acute Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic Fever is a complication of infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria and is common in children within 5 to 15 years of age. Common symptoms of rheumatic fever include: · Fever · Inflammation and pain in joints, especially of the limbs · Formation of nodules (Erythema marginatum) under the skin · Sydenham's chorea (Sudden jerky body movements) · Skin rash · Carditis (inflammation of heart)

Q. What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a condition in which there is a long-term damage to the heart caused by either a single severe case or multiple recurrent cases of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF). Rheumatic fever is caused by infection of Group A Streptococcus bacteria and leads to inflammation of the connective tissues including the heart valves. Repeated inflammation or severe inflammation of the heart valves causes accumulation of scar tissues and prevents their normal functioning. This gives rise to Rheumatic Heart Disease. Symptoms of RHD include: · Fever · Inflammation of joints · Shortness of breath · Weakness · Discomfort or pain in chest RHD can cause severe complications including heart failure, bacterial endocarditis (bacterial infection and inflammation of inner lining of heart), rupture of valves, etc.

Q. What is Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis?

Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a kidney disease which occurs due to an infection of Group A Streptococcus Bacteria. It is especially common in young children and causes an inflammation of the glomeruli (filtering units of kidneys). Symptoms include: · Oedema · Hypertension (high blood pressure) · Pain during urination · Low urine volume · Blood in urine PSGN is resolved by itself after the Streptococcal infection is treated. It is more common after a throat infection than a skin infection.

Q. What are the common symptoms of Glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is a condition which causes inflammation of the kidneys and affects their functioning. Streptococcus infection can cause Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in advanced or unresolved cases. Common symptoms of glomerulonephritis include: · Fatigue and weakness · Reduced output of urine · Blood in urine · Dark coloured urine · Rash · Joint inflammation and pain · Oedema (swelling due to fluid accumulation) · Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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