Dengue Virus Antibodies, Serum

The Dengue Virus Antibodies is used for the qualitative detection of dengue virus antibodies to confirm if you have been infected with the dengue virus. The presence of IgG-class antibodies to dengue virus (DV) is consistent with exposure to this virus sometime in the past. It is mostly used for people who have symptoms of illness and have recently travelled to an area where dengue infections are common.

As the immune system fights the infection, antibodies against dengue virus are detectable starting 4-5 days after onset of symptoms and are reliably detectable for approximately 12 weeks.

The absence of antibodies to dengue virus is consistent with lack of infection. However, specimens collected too soon following exposure may be negative for IgM antibodies to DV. If DV remains suspected, a second specimen, collected approximately 10 to 12 days following exposure should be tested.

Blood sample is required for this test. Your health care provider will probably ask about your symptoms and for details on your recent travels. If an infection is suspected, you will get a blood test to check for the dengue virus.

You may need this test if you live or have recently travelled to an area where dengue is common, and you have symptoms of dengue fever. Symptoms usually show up four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and may include:

• Sudden high fever (104°F or higher)
• Rash on the face
• Severe headache and/or pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Swollen glands
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitos. The virus can't be spread from person to person. Mosquitos that carry the dengue virus are most common in areas of the world with tropical and subtropical climates.Most people who get dengue fever have no symptoms, or mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache. These symptoms usually last for a week or so. But sometimes dengue fever can develop into a much more serious disease called dengue haemorrhagic fever.

A dengue virus antibodiestest checks your blood for signs of a dengue fever infection.While there is no medicine that can cure dengue fever or DHF, other treatments can help relieve symptoms. This can make you more comfortable if you have dengue fever. It can be lifesaving if you have DHF.

Dengue haemorrhagic fever causes life-threatening symptoms, including blood vessel damage and shock. Shock is a condition that can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure and organ failure.While there is no medicine that can cure dengue fever or DHF, other treatments can help relieve symptoms. This can make you more comfortable if you have dengue fever. It can be lifesaving if you have Dengue haemorrhagic fever.

A dengue Virus IgGtest is used to find out if you have been infected with the dengue virus. It is mostly used for people who have symptoms of illness and have recently travelled to an area where dengue infections are common.

Interpretation:

Antibody tests may be reported as positive or negative or may be reported as an antibody titer with an interpretation of which type(s) of antibody (IgG or IgM) is present.

A positive result means you probably have been infected with the dengue virus. A negative result can mean you aren't infected, or you were tested too soon for the virus to show up in testing. If you think you were exposed to the dengue virus and/or have symptoms of infection, talk to your health care provider about whether you need to be retested.

If your results were positive, talk to your health care provider about how to best treat your dengue fever infection. There are no medicines for dengue fever, but your provider will probably recommend that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.