Serology

Our serology lab employs a full set of analysis methods for the detection and quantification of antibodies as well as for the specific antigens of infectious-disease agents which can indicate contact with such organisms. In this way it is possible to diagnose viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections (detection of IgM-type antigens and anti-bodies, as well as seroconversion), which can be used to measure the impact on a given population (epidemiology), to determine the degree of post-vaccination protection and to evaluate a patient’s immunological status which is especially important for pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals.

We follow the traditional approach consisting of detection, then confirmation and identification in positive cases. The tests are selected based on their effectiveness, for a particular sector or infectious agent, in the characterisation of various immunoglobulin isotypes (IgM, IgG, and IgA). They are employed for viral serology (HIV, HCV, HBV, EBV, CMV, etc.), bacterial diseases (Lyme disease, whooping cough, etc.), parasitic diseases (hydatidosis, toxocariasis, amibiasis, bilharziosis, etc.), as well as fungal diseases (Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus).

Some of these analyses are performed in collaboration with renowned infectology centres such as Hôpital Paul Brousse for various tests including rubella avidity, West-Nile arbovirosis CNR, Japanese encephalitis, and hepatitis CNRs for example, for the PCR confirmation and geno-typing of indigenous hepatitis E, etc.

Some of our pathologists are also members of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and ANSM consultants.