Serological epidemiology

Serologic tests are not helpful in suspected outbreaks of tularemia. Serum antibody levels typically reach diagnostic levels 10 or more days after illness onset, far too late for identifying or managing an outbreak. However, serologic studies may be useful for forensic or epidemiologic purposes. Most laboratory tests detect... 

A wide range of pathogenic bacteria can be detected in water samples, usually by culture methods. Most commonly, quantitative tests are carried out that require several steps preenrichment (= resuscitation), selective enrichment, isolation by plate culture, identification by biochemical and/or serological tests, and eventually epidemiological typing. 

Schaefer, W.B. Serologic Identification of the Atypical Mycobacteria and its Value in Epidemiologic Studies. Amer. Rev. respir. Diseases 96, 115 (1967). 

Human herpesvirus 2 (Herpes simplex 2). Epidemiological and serologic evidence implicates herpes simplex type 2 in carcinoma of the cervix in humans. 

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