ASO (ANTI-STREPTOLYSIN O ANTIBODY)

Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody, Streptolysin-O Antibody,Strep A, ASO, Streptococcus

Antistreptolysin O (ASO) is an antibody targeted against streptolysin O, a toxic enzyme produced by group A Streptococcus bacteria. ASO and anti-DNase B are the most common of several antibodies that are produced by the body's immune system in response to a strep infection with group A Streptococcus. This test measures the amount of ASO in the blood.

Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is the bacterium responsible for causing strep throat and a variety of other infections, including skin infections (pyoderma, impetigo, cellulitis). In most cases, strep infections are identified and treated with antibiotics, and the infections resolve.

The ASO titer test measures antibodies produced by your body in response to a toxin known as streptolysin O.An ASO titer is done to find out if you have a current or recent strep infection that may have caused these health problems. Antibodies from a strep infection begin to increase about 1 week after a strep infection. They may get higher for several weeks before decreasing.

The ASO test does not predict whether complications will occur following a strep infection, nor does it predict the type or severity of the disease. If symptoms of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis are present, an elevated ASO level may be used to help confirm the diagnosis.