ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube over a given period of time. It is a non-specific test that can be elevated in a variety of conditions, including infections.
Several infections can cause high ESR, including:
- Bacterial infections: bacterial infections such as tuberculosis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis can cause elevated ESR.
- Viral infections: viral infections such as hepatitis, HIV, and mononucleosis can cause high ESR.
- Fungal infections: fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and blastomycosis can cause elevated ESR.
- Parasitic infections: parasitic infections such as malaria and schistosomiasis can cause high ESR.
It’s worth noting that an elevated ESR does not necessarily indicate a specific infection, and further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
