Chronic Infections Blood Test

What is Chronic infections?

Chronic infections are persistent infections lasting months or years caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that evade the immune system. These infections occur when pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis B or C viruses, or Candida species overwhelm or escape initial immune responses. The IgG and IgA Indirect Immunofluorescence test is the most important screening test for chronic infections because it measures elevated antibody levels indicating ongoing immune system activation.

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What causes chronic infections?

Chronic infections are caused by pathogens that your immune system cannot completely eliminate, including bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Helicobacter pylori, viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and herpes simplex virus, as well as fungi like Candida species and parasites. These organisms develop strategies to hide from or suppress your immune system, allowing them to persist in your body for extended periods. Risk factors that enable chronic infections include weakened immunity from conditions like diabetes or HIV, incomplete antibiotic treatment, biofilm formation by bacteria, and genetic factors affecting immune function.

What is the best test for chronic infections?

The IgG and IgA Indirect Immunofluorescence test is the most important screening test for chronic infections because it measures your immune system's antibody response to persistent pathogens. Elevated IgG levels indicate your body is actively producing long-term antibodies to fight ongoing infections, while IgA levels reflect mucosal immunity against infections in your respiratory and digestive tracts. This test provides a broad assessment of immune activation and helps determine if you need additional pathogen-specific testing, such as viral load tests for Hepatitis C, tuberculosis screening, or bacterial cultures to identify the exact infectious agent causing your symptoms.

When should I get tested for chronic infections?

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue lasting more than three months, recurrent fevers without obvious cause, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that improve temporarily with antibiotics but return after treatment ends. Testing is also important if you have a weakened immune system from conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cancer treatment, or if you have been diagnosed with an acute infection that has not fully resolved after standard treatment. Early detection through blood testing helps identify the underlying cause and prevents complications from untreated chronic infections.

What are the symptoms of chronic infections?
Chronic infections cause persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, low-grade fevers that come and go, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. You might notice recurring symptoms in specific body areas such as chronic sinusitis, persistent cough, recurrent urinary tract infections, or digestive problems like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Other common signs include swollen lymph nodes that stay enlarged for weeks, joint pain and muscle aches, skin rashes or lesions that do not heal, and general feelings of being unwell without a clear reason.
Who is at risk for chronic infections?
People with weakened immune systems are at highest risk, including those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune diseases or organ transplants. Other risk factors include older adults over 65 whose immune systems naturally decline, individuals with chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver disease, people who have had incomplete antibiotic treatment for previous infections, and those with lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, chronic stress, smoking, or excessive alcohol use that impair immune function.
What happens if chronic infections are left untreated?
Untreated chronic infections can cause progressive organ damage, with bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori leading to stomach ulcers and gastric cancer, while chronic viral hepatitis destroys liver tissue causing cirrhosis and liver failure. Persistent infections trigger constant immune system activation that causes chronic inflammation throughout your body, increasing your risk for cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. You may develop antibiotic resistance if bacterial infections are partially treated, experience spreading of the infection to other body parts such as heart valves or bones, and suffer from debilitating fatigue and reduced quality of life that affects your ability to work and enjoy daily activities.
Can chronic infections be diagnosed with a blood test?
Blood tests are essential for diagnosing chronic infections by measuring antibodies like IgG and IgA that indicate your immune system is fighting persistent pathogens. These tests detect elevated antibody levels, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and can identify specific pathogens through serological testing for viruses like Hepatitis B and C or Epstein-Barr virus. While blood tests provide crucial diagnostic information, your doctor may also order pathogen-specific tests such as viral load measurements, bacterial cultures from infected sites, or imaging studies to determine the infection location and severity.
How are chronic infections treated?
Treatment depends on the specific pathogen causing your chronic infection and typically involves prolonged courses of antimicrobial medications such as extended antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections like tuberculosis, antiviral medications for chronic viral infections like Hepatitis C or HIV, or antifungal drugs for persistent fungal infections. Your doctor will also address underlying immune system problems through management of conditions like diabetes that weaken immunity, nutritional support to strengthen your body's defenses, and in some cases, immune-modulating therapies. Treatment often requires several months to completely eliminate the infection, with regular blood testing to monitor treatment effectiveness and ensure the infection is fully resolved.
How can I prevent chronic infections?
Prevention starts with maintaining a strong immune system through proper nutrition with adequate protein, vitamins C and D, and zinc, regular exercise, adequate sleep of 7 to 9 hours nightly, and stress management. Practice good hygiene including thorough handwashing, safe food handling, and avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes. Complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics even if you feel better to prevent partially treated infections from becoming chronic, stay up to date with vaccinations including Hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumonia vaccines, and manage chronic health conditions like diabetes that increase infection risk through regular medical care and blood sugar control.
What can I do at home to support recovery from chronic infections?
Support your immune system with a nutrient-rich diet including lean proteins, colorful fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, and probiotic foods like yogurt to maintain healthy gut bacteria that fight infections. Prioritize restorative sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a dark, cool sleeping environment, as your immune system does most of its repair work during deep sleep. Stay well-hydrated with plenty of water, reduce alcohol consumption which suppresses immune function, avoid smoking, and consider immune-supporting supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc after consulting with your healthcare provider. Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, as chronic stress weakens your immune response and prolongs infections.
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If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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IgG, IgA, Indirect Immunofluorescence
Google reviews 505 reviews
$435 $339
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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