Dengue Test - IgM (Elisa)

Dengue fever affects roughly 400 million people each year. Approximately 100 million individuals are infected, with 40,000 people dying from severe dengue fever. Dengue viruses transmit to humans via mosquito bites from infected Aedes species (Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus).

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in containers that store water, such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and near stagnant water. Dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes bite at all hours of the day and night. When mosquitoes bite a person who has an infection with the dengue virus, mosquitoes get infected.

Infected mosquitos can then transmit the virus to others by biting them. These mosquitoes bite people and can be present both indoors and outdoors near humans. The dengue IgM test is used for the diagnosis of dengue fever caused by the virus.

IgM and neutralising antibodies specific to the Dengue virus emerge at the end of the first week of sickness. Dengue IgM test values vary, but they can be positive starting from 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms and last for around 12 weeks, although they may last longer.

The dengue IgM test works by first collecting human IgM antibodies on a microtiter plate using an anti-human-IgM antibody, then adding dengue virus antigens. This assay's antigens are generated from the envelope proteins of the four dengue virus serotypes. IgM antibodies to the dengue virus are detectable starting 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms and are dependably detectable for about 12 weeks as the immune system battles the infection.

During the first 1-7 days of sickness, testing with Dengue IgM test values gives a negative diagnostic result. In such conditions, a convalescent-phase specimen helps to make a final diagnosis of dengue virus infection.

When exposed to any one of the four serotypes (1-4) of the dengue virus, many people experience no symptoms or only a moderate illness. Those who do develop symptoms have a strong chance of complete recovery within a few weeks. A high-grade fever and flu-like symptoms that develop 4 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito are the early symptoms. The duration is called the incubation period and can range from 3 to 14 days.

Some persons with a fever will heal on their own and have no long-term consequences. Some others may develop severe dengue fever called dengue haemorrhagic fever. If the disease develops to this stage, a new set of symptoms will appear 3 to 7 days after the initial symptoms have subsided and the fever has subsided.

The virus may damage blood vessels (the vascular system) in the second phase, causing capillaries to leak fluid into the area around the lungs (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites). If left untreated, the loss of blood and fluid during the second phase can cause death.

A person may get a second rash that lasts a week or more during the next week of healing. Over half the world's population or about four billion people, reside in areas with a high risk for dengue. Dengue fever is one of the commonest causes of sickness in high-risk countries.

Other names of the dengue IgM test:

• Dengue MAC-ELISA IgM
• Serologic test for dengue virus
• Dengue EIA IgM
• Dengue virus IgM
• Dengue test IgM
• Dengue virus antibody IgM

What does the dengue IgM test/measure and who is this prescribed for?

The dengue IgM test values show antibodies to the dengue virus in the blood sample. The following are some of the most common indications in which the dengue test is indicated:

• Fever after a visit to a place where dengue is prevalent.
• When exposed to the dengue virus.
• The sensation of moderate illness
• Sudden high fever (104°F or 40°C)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Severe headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint pain
• Bone pain
• Low white blood cell count
• Muscle discomfort
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swollen glands

Doctors ask for the dengue IgM test reports if patients present with the following symptoms:

• Nasal bleeding
• Gum bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Blood in the vomit
• Blood in the stools
• Difficulty breathing
• Cold, clammy skin in the extremities

The Dengue IgM test chart is advised for people who are at high risk of dengue infection. It includes:

• People who have symptoms of dengue fever and live in high-risk areas of dengue.
• People who have symptoms of dengue fever after a recent travel history to dengue-prone localities.

The dengue IgM test normal range:

The dengue IgM test Results:

Clinical symptoms and exposure history are used in correlation with the test values during the interpretation of the dengue IgM test results.

The dengue IgM test results may be in two forms:

• Dengue IgM positive
• Dengue IgM negative

Dengue IgM positive

Patients who test positive in dengue IgM test results indicate a recent dengue virus infection.

Dengue IgM negative

• Patients with dengue IgM test negative results before day 8 of illness should not be ruled out for dengue infection. These cases might be unconfirmed cases. After day 7 of symptoms, a second sample collection is essential for further serological testing.
• Patients with dengue IgM test negative results after seven days of symptoms are free of recent infection.
• Patients who have changed test results from negative to positive in the dengue IgM test chart have current dengue infections.

Dengue IgM false-positive results can occur in people with chikungunya, Zika, West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis virus infection. Dengue IgM positive test findings in those who have had blood transfusions are considered invalid.

The results of a dengue IgM test procedure are based on the analysis of a blood sample.

Test Preparation

The dengue IgM test is a simple blood test. The dengue IgM procedure does not require fasting or any specific preparation. The dengue IgM test procedure needs only 5 minutes.

What are the parameters included in the test?

The dengue IgM test chart includes only one parameter. IgM antibody tests detect antibodies to the dengue virus produced by the immune system.

How frequently should you take this test?

If the dengue IgM test confirms the dengue diagnosis, the doctor will start the treatment. Treatment for dengue, like most acute conditions, needs 15-20 days.

If the symptoms do not disappear or new ones appear, the doctor will order another IgM test.

After 15 days, the IgM test is performed to confirm that the patient has healed. If the doctor suspects the previous report was false-negative or false-positive, they may ask for a test repetition after 7 to 10 days.

Dengue fever, Dengue haemorrhagic fever, Dengue shock syndrome