Anti Streptolysin assay

Description

Intended Use

For the quantitative in vitro determination of ASO in serum. This product is suitable for automated, semi-automated and manual use.

Clinical Significance

Streptolysin O (SLO) is a lethal, exocellular protein produced by Group A streptococci bacteria. It is so named because it is reversibly inactivated by atmospheric oxygen.

The binding of active SLO to the surface of erythrocytes causes disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane resulting in cell lysis. Anti-streptolysin O antibodies (ASO) are produced by the host to neutralise the haemolytic action of the SLO.

Measurement of ASO in serum is used for the diagnosis of streptococcol infections such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. The ASO level can be used as a measure of the extent and degree of infection. Elevated ASO levels may also be present in other conditions such as scarlet fever, acute rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis and various other streptococcal infections and in healthy carriers.