ANTI SACCHAROMYCES ANTIBODY IgG

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) are immune proteins often detected in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic conditions affecting the intestinal tract’s lining due to suspected autoimmune processes, leading to tissue inflammation and damage. This blood test identifies ASCA presence, yet their exact role in IBD remains unclear. IBD symptoms and intensity vary, marked by flare-ups followed by periods of reduced symptoms or remission. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the primary IBD types. CD can affect any part of the digestive tract, while UC typically occurs in the colon. Diagnosing CD or UC involves endoscopic testing and intestinal biopsy examination. Differentiating between the two can be challenging, especially in the colon. ASCA testing aids as it’s more common in CD than UC. ASCA comprises two types—ASCA IgG and ASCA IgA—often both assessed. ASCA IgG levels might predict disease severity and the potential need for surgical intervention in treatment planning for IBD