Arbovirus antibodies - serum
Last updated: Thursday, 06, April, 2006
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | Acute and convalescent samples. 5-10 mL blood in plain tube. |
| Method | EIA, CFT, HAI, virus neutralisation. |
| Reference Interval | Method dependent - consult pathologist. |
| Application | Selection of tests is determined by clinical features and geographical exposure - consult pathologist. Diagnosis of infections caused by Ross River, dengue, Sindbis, Barmah Forest, Kunjin, Chikungunyah, Murray Valley encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis viruses. Diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis. |
| Interpretation | A fourfold rise in antibody titre indicates recent infection. For many of the arboviruses a detection of IgM indicates relatively recent infection but for Ross River virus infection, in particular, the IgM may remain positive for up to several years. The relative levels of IgG and IgM must be assessed for appropriate interpretation of results. Arbovirus infections may stimulate low level antibodies to a number of related viruses; consult pathologist. |
| Reference | Russell RC and Dwyer DE. Microbes Infect 2000; 2: 1693-1704. |