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.