seronegativ

Seronegativ is a term used in medicine to describe the absence of detectable specific antibodies in the blood serum against a particular pathogen, antigen, or autoantigen, as determined by standard serologic tests. It can apply to infections, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to antigens. In English, the term is usually written as seronegative, but seronegativ appears in some medical languages and literature.

In infectious diseases, seronegativ status may indicate an early or acute infection before antibody production, in chronic infections when antibodies are not produced, or in individuals with immune suppression. Examples include seronegative HIV infection during the acute phase before seroconversion, and seronegative status for hepatitis B or C when antibodies are not yet present or are suppressed.

In autoimmune contexts, seronegativ rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthropathies describe conditions that meet clinical criteria but lack rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies. Seronegativity can complicate diagnosis, influence classification, and affect treatment decisions.

Testing and interpretation: serology uses assays such as ELISA, Western blot, and indirect immunofluorescence to detect antibodies. Results depend on the timing of sample collection, test sensitivity, and the patient’s immune status. A negative result may be a false negative in the window period or in immunocompromised individuals.

Limitations and related concepts: seronegativity does not exclude disease; follow-up testing, alternative modalities such as nucleic acid testing, or repeat testing may be needed. The term is discussed alongside seroprevalence and broader serology in clinical guidelines and research.