ABSTRACT
The goal of this chapter is to familiarize the reader with the methods and rationale employed for serologic testing for infectious diseases. Serologic testing entails the detection and quantifi cation of antibodies to infectious agents, the agents themselves, or a component of the agent. Serology is used when the defi nitive approach to laboratory diagnosis of infection, isolation, or recently, molecular detection, is not possible, appropriate, or necessary. In addition to diagnostic applications, serologic tests are used to assess immune status, immune competence, and for patient management. Serologic methods can be highly sensitive, specifi c, and rapid; however, the appropriate application and interpretation of a serologic test requires an appreciation of the biology of the humoral immune response, including host factors that infl uence the response, performance characteristics of the specifi c method used, and characteristics of the infectious agent being tested for. The results of serologic tests, interpreted in the light of these considerations, provide important information for the diagnosis and management of patients with bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases.
