Dengue IgM antibody

What it measures

Detects IgM antibodies to dengue virus, which usually appear from day 4–5 of illness. It supports diagnosis of recent infection when NS1 has become negative.

Specimen and preparation

• Specimen: Serum or plasma
• Tube: Gold top
• Preparation: Collect after day 5 of fever for best sensitivity.

Reference range

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

• Recent primary or secondary dengue infection
• Cross-reaction with other flaviviruses (Zika, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever vaccine)
• Persisting IgM from infection within the past 2–3 months

Method

IgM capture ELISA (MAC-ELISA) or rapid immunochromatography

Good to know

IgM may persist for 2–3 months, so a single positive result shows recent rather than definitely current infection.

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