Dengue Antibodies IgM ELISA
Also known as Dengue Antibodies Igm Elisa BloodWhat is this test?
Dengue antibodies IgM test is used to detect the antibodies which are produced in response to the dengue infection. The presence of IgM antibody is used in diagnosing dengue fever. This test is especially useful in detecting the current or recent infection.
What is Dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite during day time hence protection from mosquitoes at night by mosquito repellents and nets do not prevent dengue fever. They breed in fresh and clean water and also in tubes, drums, containers, old tires, and cans. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions of over 100 countries. The incubation period of dengue virus is 4-10 days.
There are three types of dengue fever:
- Dengue shock syndrome with low blood pressure.
- Dengue fever with no serious complications.
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever with bleeding problems or low platelet and plasma leakage.
Why this test is performed?
This test may be recommended to you if you are suspected of dengue viral attack or if you develop a high fever within 2 weeks of visiting any new place where dengue is endemic or if an outbreak of dengue happened in your area. The symptoms include a sudden rise in body temperature, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or bleeding in other regions, severe abdominal pain, headache, pain behind eyes, increased tiredness, rashes, nausea, headache, joint pains, etc.
Precaution:
Dengue IgM antibodies test results may be positive if the individual is infected with arbovirus like West Nile virus. Some symptoms appear after the initial fever has passed like joint pains, rashes, etc.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Dengue Antibodies IgM ELISA. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Dengue Antibodies IgM ELISA.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Understanding your test results
If your test results show positive then the presence of the virus is confirmed and it indicates that you are infected with the dengue fever.
If your test results are negative then it means the virus is absent or it also means that you have too less amount of virus to detect. If test results show negative then dengue antibodies test may be recommended.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| OTHER | All age groups | The antibodies are not normally present. IgM seen in recent infection |