Echo of a sore throat
The titer increases 1–3 weeks after streptococcus and lasts for months: high values for arthritis/carditis confirm the rheumatic nature and the need for bicillin prophylaxis. An isolated increase without a clinic is just a trace of contact; there is no need to “treat ASLO.” The dynamics of titles is more informative than a single figure.
When is it appointed?
- fever - severity and nature of inflammation;
- suspicion of sepsis - procalcitonin, blood culture;
- joint pain - rheumatological screening;
- sore throats and their complications - ASLO;
- allergy - general IgE.
Inflammation thermometer
Markers rank the alarm: CRP increases with any significant inflammation (bacterial gives higher numbers), procalcitonin is specific for severe bacterial infections and sepsis - it also solves the issue of antibiotics, IL-6 reacts first in resuscitation scenarios, blood culture finds the causative agent of bacteremia. Rheumatological block (RF, ASLO) and IgE close articular and allergic routes. The right marker at the right time saves time and antibiotics.
