The Babesia Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) is designed to detect human IgM and IgG antibodies to Babesia antigens in human serum. Titers rise during the first two-to-four weeks of illness and then decline over the next six-to-12 months. In patients with previously high titers, an IgG titer of less than 160 may indicate a resolving infection. If the IFA is negative but clinical symptoms are present, PCR and/or FISH testing are suggested.

Babesia is carried by the same species of ticks that cause Ehrlichiosis, Bartonellosis, and Lyme disease. Therefore, patients with positive titers should also be tested for other tick-borne diseases.

Stage of Disease: Early Disease, Late Disease

Test Methodology: IFA