Anti-streptolysin O (ASO)

ASO test?

ASO, or antistreptolysin, is an antibody that binds to Streptolysin O, an enzyme with strong antigenic properties produced by streptococci. The ASO test involves determining in the blood of antibodies produced by the immune system in response response to bacteria that appear in the body. In most cases, streptococcal infection is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms. Sometimes, however, it runs its course without any symptoms.

Infections caused by group A streptococci can contribute to the development of dangerous complications such as myocarditis heart, acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, reactive arthritis, and rheumatic fever.

When to perform an ASO test?

The ASO test is mainly performed to determine whether a patient has had a recent group A streptococcal infection that may have caused health problems. Indications include complications after purulent pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. These include:

• inflammation of the heart muscle,
• glomerulonephritis,
• rheumatic fever,

An ASO test is also ordered for symptoms such as:

• fever,
• fatigue,
• cirrhosis,
• joint pain,
• pain
• rash on the skin,
• rash on the skin
• breathing problems,