ASLO is an abbreviation of the term "antistreptolysin-O". This concept is used to refer to a group of specific antibodies that are able to withstand chemicals secreted by streptococci. Streptococci cause various diseases in the body: tonsillitis, scarlet fever, pharyngitis. As a result
infection, the body begins to produce ASLO to block the harmful effects of bacteria. Analysis of ASLO allows you to determine the amount of antistreptolysin-O in the blood. Therefore, it can be used as a laboratory criterion for
streptococcal infection. It is this property that is used in medicine.
Why is an ASLO blood test needed?
During the period of streptococcal infection, antistreptolysin-O in the blood is within normal limits. It is not possible to apply ASLO to diagnose infection. ASLO levels begin to rise one week after infection. It reaches its peak in 3-5 weeks. Then gradually decreases over 6-12 months. Streptococcus activity can lead to serious complications. Therefore, the doctor prescribes an analysis of ASLO. The most informative is its serial implementation. In this case, it becomes possible to monitor the activity of ASLO for a certain time. The analysis is carried out with an interval of one week. The presence in the body of a high content of anti
eptolysin-O, as well as the fluctuation of its level upward, confirms the fact of complications after streptococcal infection. Such diseases require a specific treatment regimen.
ASLO analysis is prescribed in the following cases:
- streptococcal infections,
- rheumatism,
- acute diffuse glomerulonephritis.
What is streptococcus?
This is a microbe that lives in the human body. Streptococci are found in the digestive system, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. They accompany people throughout their lives. Most of them are not dangerous to humans. However, there are those that, against the background of a weakened immune system, can cause inflammatory processes.
What diseases cause streptococci?
These microbes can cause the following ailments:
- Scarlet fever. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, manifested in the form of fever, rash, sore throat.
- Rheumatism. This infection causes systemic inflammation with primary localization in the membranes of the heart muscle.
- Periodontitis. Staphylococcus causes inflammation of periodontal tissues with subsequent destruction of the alveolar part of the jaw. Usually, this disease manifests itself in the form of calculus, bleeding gums, weakening of dental ligaments.
- Abscess. It is expressed in purulent inflammation of muscle tissues, bones, internal organs.
- Streptococcal meningitis. It affects the human nervous system. In severe cases, it leads to death.
- Erysipelas. It manifests itself in the form of a headache, chills, fever and the appearance on the body of the affected area of erysipelas.