Serostatus refers to the presence or absence of a
serological
Serology is the scientific study of serum and other body fluids. In practice, the term usually refers to the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum. Such antibodies are typically formed in response to an infection (against a given mi ...
marker in the blood. The presence of detectable levels of a specific marker within the
serum is considered seropositivity, while the absence of such levels is considered seronegativity.
HIV/AIDS
The term serostatus is commonly used in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, social advocacy has emphasized the importance of learning one's HIV/AIDS serostatus in an effort to curtail the spread of the disease.
Autoimmune disease
Researchers have investigated the effects of autoantibody serostatus on autoimmune disease presentation.
Study of seronegative patient populations has led to the identification of additional autoantibodies that could potentially help with diagnosis.
See also
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Seroconversion
In immunology, seroconversion is the development of specific antibodies in the blood serum as a result of infection or immunization, including vaccination. During infection or immunization, antigens enter the blood, and the adaptive immune system ...
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Correlates of immunity
Correlates of immunity or correlates of protection to a virus or other infectious pathogen are measurable signs that a person (or other potential host) is immune, in the sense of being protected against becoming infected and/or developing disease. ...
References
{{HIV and AIDS
Serology
HIV/AIDS