Anti-streptolysin O
Anti-streptolysin O (ASO)
Anti-streptolysin O (pronounced: an-tee-strep-toe-lye-sin oh) is a antibody produced by the body in response to an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria. The ASO test is a measure of these antibodies in the blood.
Etymology
The term "Anti-streptolysin O" is derived from the following components: "Anti-" is a prefix from Greek meaning against, "strepto-" is derived from streptococcus, a type of bacteria, "-lysin" refers to the ability to lyse or break down, and "O" refers to the oxygen-labile component of the streptococcal hemolysin.
Function
The ASO test is used to determine if a strep infection with group A Streptococcus is the cause of glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disease) or rheumatic fever. High levels of ASO antibodies in the blood can indicate a recent strep infection.
Related Terms
- Streptococcus: A group of bacteria, some of which cause disease in humans.
- Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances.
- Glomerulonephritis: A type of kidney disease.
- Rheumatic fever: An inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anti-streptolysin O
- Wikipedia's article - Anti-streptolysin O
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