Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM
Understanding Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM
What is Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM?
A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test is performed to check the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies produced by the immune system of an affected individual in response to dengue infection. It helps determine the stage of disease, differentiate between recent and past infections, and aid in the appropriate and timely management of the infection.
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus. The virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Early detection and differentiation are crucial, as secondary dengue infections can sometimes lead to more severe forms of the disease, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome.
A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test helps detect dengue and determine whether a person is currently infected (indicated by IgM) or was infected in the past (indicated by IgG). IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a dengue infection. They typically appear within 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms and persist for about 2-3 months. Their presence suggests a recent dengue infection. Whereas, IgG antibodies develop later in the course of the disease and stay for an extended period. Their presence indicates a past dengue infection or immunity from a previous infection. However, rising IgG levels may indicate a secondary dengue infection.
A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test may be advised if your doctor suspects dengue infection or if you have recently traveled to a dengue-prone area, even if they do not show any symptoms. Also, pregnant women should get tested for dengue if an infection is suspected, as they have a higher risk of developing DHF and can even pass dengue to their babies during pregnancy or at birth.
Usually, no special preparation is required for a Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test; eat and drink as per your daily routine. After two weeks of symptoms, additional blood sample testing may be needed to check if the antibody level is rising. Talk to your doctor about your test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.
What is Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM used for?
A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test is done:
- If an individual experiences symptoms suggestive of dengue fever, such as fever, body pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rash, and pain behind the eyes.
- For diagnosis and management of dengue infection.
- To differentiate between current and past dengue infection.
- In case of recent travel history to dengue endemic areas.
What does Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM measure?
Contains 2 testsA Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test measures two parameters in the blood: IgG and IgM antibodies. When a dengue infection occurs, IgM antibodies are the first line of defense, and detection of these antibodies is most effective when done at least 7–10 days after exposure. With time, IgM antibodies fall below detectable levels. IgG antibodies, however, are produced more slowly in response to the infection. Levels of IgG rise with acute infection, stabilize, and persist for a long time.
Dengue fever is usually caused by the four dengue virus serotypes, with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection, undifferentiated fever, dengue fever (DF) to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with or without shock.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can go to a higher grade of fever. It might also include variable manifestations, like nose bleeding, vomiting blood, passing blood in the stool, breathing difficulty, cold, and clammy skin, especially in the extremities. During the second phase, the virus may attack blood vessels, causing capillaries to leak fluid into the space around the lungs (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites).
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever caused when the body's immune system overreacts to the dengue virus. It can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and dehydration, and if not managed timely, it may lead to multiple organ failures.
Dengue Antibody, IgM
A Dengue Antibody, IgM test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood. It specifically detects the dengue-specific IgM antibodies produced by the body in response to the dengue virus. When a dengue infection occurs, IgM antibodies are the first line of defense. It helps identify recent dengue virus infection as the production of IgM antibodies typically occurs within the first few days to a couple of weeks after the onset of the symptoms.
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Dengue Fever IgG Antibody, EIA
A Dengue Fever IgG Antibody, EIA test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific to Dengue virus in the blood. These antibodies typically appear in the blood a few weeks after the onset of dengue symptoms or exposure to the virus. However, this can vary, but generally IgG antibodies become detectable during the recovery phase of the infection.
IgG antibodies indicate a past exposure or infection with the Dengue virus and provide information about the individual’s immune response to the virus.a
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Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM
Frequently Asked Questions about Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM
Q. What are the most common symptoms of dengue fever?
Q. Can I be infected with dengue without noticeable symptoms?
Q. What is the difference between primary and secondary dengue infection?
Q. How many days does dengue fever last?
Q. How serious can a dengue fever be?
Q. What does it mean when my test results show positive dengue IgG?
Q. What does it mean if my test results show positive dengue IgM?
Q. What foods increase platelets in patients with dengue?
Q. What treatments are available for dengue?
Q. How can I prevent dengue infection naturally?
Q. Is dengue infection contagious?
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References
- Dengue and severe dengue [Internet]. WHO; 17 Mar. 2023 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
- Dengue and severe dengue [Internet]. WHO; 17 Mar. 2023 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/dengue-and-severe-dengue#tab=tab_3
- Dengue during pregnancy [Internet]. CDC; 31 Oct. 2019 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/transmission/pregnancy.html
- Dengue [Internet]. CDC; 15 Aug. 2023 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/index.html
- Schaefer TJ, Panda PK, Wolford RW. Dengue Fever [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430732/
- Kularatne SA, Dalugama C. Dengue infection: Global importance, immunopathology and management. Clin Med (Lond). 2022 Jan;22(1):9-13. [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8813012/
- Dengue Virus Antigen Detection [Internet]. CDC; 03 May 2019 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/healthcare-providers/testing/antigen-detection.html
- Avoid Dengue By Preventing Mosquito Bites [Internet]. CDC; 06 Mar. 2023 [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/avoid-dengue.html#:~:text=Use%20insect%20repellent%2C%20wear%20long,the%20bites%20of%20infected%20mosquitoes
- Luvira V, Thawornkuno C, Lawpoolsri S, Thippornchai N, Duangdee C, Ngamprasertchai T, Leaungwutiwong P. Diagnostic Performance of Dengue NS1 and Antibodies by Serum Concentration Technique. Trop Med Infect Dis. 2023 Feb 14;8(2):117. [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9963119/
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