Blastomyces Canine Antibody IgG EIA

Clinical Significance: IgG antibodies to Blastomyces antigen appear to be associated with active infection, especially in dogs with moderate to high positive (20 EU or greater) results. Antibodies may also be detected in a small percentage of healthy dogs as a result of sub-clinical infection within the last 2 years; however, results of preliminary studies show high specificity of the assay (>90%) in healthy animals from Blastomyces-endemic areas. IgG may be detected in blastomycosis cases with false-negative antigen results (especially with localized disease; e.g., ocular or bone infections) and combined antibody and antigen testing increases the overall sensitivity. Intermediate results (8-9.9 EU) typically reflect either rising or falling IgG, and retesting the patient in several weeks may be beneficial.