What does the Babesia duncani (WA1) IgG Antibody by ImmunoBlot test measure?

Why is Babesia duncani (WA1) IgG Antibody by ImmunoBlot measured?

B. duncani IgG ImmunoBlot seropositivity is specifically relevant in patients with compatible clinical presentations who have tick exposure history in western North American endemic areas, or in patients from any region in whom B. microti testing is negative but clinical suspicion for tick-borne haemolytic illness remains. IGeneX's inclusion of B. duncani testing within the Babesia ImmunoBlot panel provides clinically meaningful geographic coverage that standard single-species Babesia serology — calibrated only for B. microti — would miss. Interpretation follows the same clinical correlation principles as B. microti IgG: positive serology requires correlation with active haematological findings, symptom history, and PCR before attributing active infection.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Positive: ≥1 specific band reactive per IGeneX positivity criteria; Negative: no reactive bands; Indeterminate: reactive bands not meeting full positivity criteria. # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm IGeneX's specific Babesia duncani IgG ImmunoBlot band positions, molecular weights, and positivity criteria — B. duncani (formerly classified as WA1) is a distinct piroplasm species from B. microti and its serological testing requires a separate antigen preparation. Verify whether B. duncani is included as a discrete strip or combined within the same panel as B. microti in IGeneX's current assay.

Functional medicine optimal

Not applicable — qualitative confirmatory serological assay; seronegative status expected in unexposed individuals.

Units

Band reactivity (kDa)

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.