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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Listeria Antibody, CF, Serum
Test CodeQuest Code
CPT Codes
86609
Preferred Specimen
Minimum Volume
Transport Container
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Methodology
Complement Fixation (CF)
Setup Schedule
Report Available
Reference Range
Interpretive Criteria
<1:8 | Antibody not detected |
≥1:8 | Antibody detected |
Clinical Significance
This test uses complement fixation to detect antibodies to Listeria monocytogenes in serum and may be helpful in diagnosing encephalitis caused by L monocytogenes [1]. Listeriosis is mainly diagnosed by isolation of L monocytogenes; serologic tests for listeriosis are not recommended, because of their low sensitivity and specificity [2].
Listeriosis is the third-leading cause of death from eating contaminated food. Each year in the United States, approximately 1,600 people are diagnosed with listeriosis and 260 die of the condition [2]. Infected pregnant women usually have mild flu-like symptoms. However, by crossing the placenta and infecting fetuses, Listeria can cause fetal loss or newborn death in up to a quarter of cases [2,3]. Other groups at high risk of developing serious disease secondary to Listeria infection include elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
Listeria infection is mainly diagnosed by isolation of L monocytogenes from a normally sterile site. Detecting Listeria antibodies with complement fixation in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid may be helpful for diagnosing encephalitis caused by L monocytogenes [1]. Because of their low sensitivity and specificity, serologic tests are inadequate for diagnosing listeriosis and thus are generally not recommended [2-4].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical history and physical examination findings.
References
1. Miller JM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2018;67(6):813-816.
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis). Accessed January 26, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/technical.html
3. Wellinghausen N. Toxoplasma. In: Carroll KC, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019. https://www.clinmicronow.org/doi/full/10.1128/9781683670438.MCM.ch28_1
4. Gellin BG, Broome CV. Listeriosis. JAMA. 1989;261(9):1313-1320.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
33608 Ortega Highway |
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |