The dengue virus IgM antibodies test is used to diagnose dengue when the infection's timing is uncertain. Negative test results for IgG and IgM antibodies may indicate that you don't have dengue fever and that the antibody level is too low to measure. IgM antibodies against the dengue virus can be detected 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Dengue fever is a chronic infection transmitted by mosquitoes that live in subtropical and tropical climates and carry the virus. In the U.S., most dengue cases occur in people returning from areas with dengue outbreaks. Many individuals have a mild illness or no symptoms at all when exposed to one of the four serotypes of the dengue virus. The dengue virus IgM antibodies test is essential for those who develop the symptoms of dengue infection.

What is a Dengue Virus IgM Antibodies Test? 

The dengue virus IgM antibodies test is used to diagnose dengue when the infection's timing is uncertain. Negative test results for IgG and IgM antibodies may indicate that you don't have dengue fever and that the antibody level is too low to measure. IgM antibodies against the dengue virus can be detected 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Dengue fever is a chronic infection transmitted by mosquitoes that live in subtropical and tropical climates and carry the virus. In the U.S., most dengue cases occur in people returning from areas with dengue outbreaks. Many individuals have a mild illness or no symptoms at all when exposed to one of the four serotypes of the dengue virus. The dengue virus IgM antibodies test is essential for those who develop the symptoms of dengue infection.  

The doctor may order this test if you suffer from flu-like symptoms or have a high fever. You may also be asked to get this test if you have returned from a country where dengue fever is endemic. 

What is the Purpose of a Dengue Virus IgM Antibodies Test? 

The dengue virus IgM antibodies test is used for diagnosing dengue infection. As the dengue fever symptoms resemble other infections like malaria, it is difficult to diagnose the infection without performing this test. The dengue virus IgM antibodies test detects antibodies produced by the immune system when you have been exposed to the dengue virus. This test gives the most accurate results when performed 4 days after exposure. 

What Does a Dengue Virus IgM Antibodies Test Diagnose? 

The dengue virus IgM antibodies test can diagnose dengue infection. It can be used to determine whether a person with recent potential exposure and signs and symptoms of this disease has been infected with the dengue virus. But the dengue virus IgM antibodies test can also show positive results if a person is infected with another arbovirus like West Nile virus. You should therefore consult your health practitioner to evaluate your test results depending on your recent travel and medical history. 

Serology for dengue virus-specific IgM and IgG antibodies can be helpful in confirming a secondary or primary diagnosis. On average, both secondary and main infections produce IgM 5 days after infection, whereas IgG is produced only after 2-4 weeks of primary infection.

Why Do You Need a Dengue Virus IgM Antibodies Test?

The dengue virus IgM antibodies test is needed to confirm whether you have a dengue infection. If you have a high IgG level but a non-existent or low level, it shows you previously suffered from dengue. A four-fold or more increase in the dengue IgG antibodies between the second and first samples two to four weeks apart indicates a recent infection. Your doctor may order a dengue virus IgM antibodies test if you have the following symptoms. 

• Nose and gum bleeding 

• Sudden high fever 

• Low white blood cell count 

• Pain behind the eyes or severe headache 

• Bone, muscle, or joint pain 

• Easy bruising 

• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and nausea or respiratory problems like difficulty breathing 

You may also need a dengue virus IgM antibodies test if you have traveled to areas with dengue infection outbreaks. If you are detected with dengue, your doctor may order CBC along with it.  

Preparation & Procedure Required for Dengue Virus IgM Antibodies Test 

You don't need to make any changes to your regular diet before undergoing the dengue virus IgM antibodies test. If any necessary precautions need to be taken, your doctor or technician will inform you beforehand. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications, as they may affect the test results.  

During the dengue virus IgM antibodies test, a small needle will be inserted into your vein to draw a small amount of blood. Once the blood is drawn, it will be collected in a test tube or vial. The site from where the blood has been drawn will be covered with a cotton pad and tape. You may feel slight pain or prickling sensation in the area from where the blood has been drawn, but it will subside on its own. Your blood sample will be sent to the lab for further analysis. 

Understanding Dengue Virus IgM Antibodies Test Results 

The dengue virus IgM antibodies test may be reported as negative or positive or as an antibody titer with a detailed interpretation of the antibody (IgG or IgM) present in the blood. A positive IgM test for dengue antibodies means that the person became infected with the dengue virus within a few weeks. But this test can also be positive if someone is infected with a similar virus, like chikungunya. If an initial dengue virus IgM antibodies test is positive, the doctor may order a Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test to confirm the presence of antibodies to the dengue virus. 

Negative tests for IgG and/or IgM antibodies indicate that the person does not have a dengue infection. It also signifies that the symptoms are due to other causes, or the antibody level may be too low to measure.  

Normal blood IgM level ranges from 40 to 250 mg/dL. However, it can vary due to various reasons, including equipment, different techniques, and chemicals used. It is also important to note down that men's IgM levels are lower than women. To get accurate results, doctors often order IgM, IgE, IgA, and IgG together.