DENGUE ANTIBODY IGG&IGM ELISA

The Dengue Antibody IgG & IgM ELISA Test is a laboratory blood test used to detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with the dengue virus. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for proper medical management and reducing the risk of severe complications such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

This ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test measures two types of antibodies:

• Dengue IgM Antibodies – Usually appear within 4–7 days after symptoms begin and suggest a recent or current dengue infection.
• Dengue IgG Antibodies – Develop later and remain in the body for years, indicating a past infection or a secondary dengue infection when detected alongside IgM.

The combination of IgG and IgM results helps physicians understand the stage of infection and distinguish between primary and secondary dengue infections. Since secondary dengue infections may carry a higher risk of severe disease, this information is clinically important.

Doctors often recommend this test for patients experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding tendencies, particularly during dengue outbreaks or after mosquito exposure.

Benefits of the Test

• Detects both recent and previous dengue virus infections.
• Helps differentiate primary and secondary dengue infections.
• Supports timely diagnosis and medical treatment.
• Assists doctors in monitoring disease progression.
• Useful when NS1 antigen testing is no longer positive.
• Reliable ELISA-based laboratory method.
• Helps reduce the risk of severe dengue complications through early diagnosis.
• Supports clinical decision-making during dengue outbreaks.

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

Doctors recommend the Dengue Antibody IgG & IgM ELISA Test when dengue infection is suspected based on symptoms, travel history, or local outbreaks. It is especially useful after the first few days of illness, when antibody production begins. The test also helps identify previous exposure to dengue virus and distinguish between primary and secondary infections, which is important for assessing the risk of severe disease.

This test may be ordered along with Dengue NS1 Antigen, Complete Blood Count (CBC), and platelet count to provide a comprehensive evaluation of dengue infection.

Preparation Before the Test

No special preparation is required.

You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor advises otherwise. Inform your healthcare provider about your symptoms, the day your fever started, recent travel history, medications, or any previous dengue infection. A blood sample is collected from a vein for laboratory analysis.

Normal Reporting Time

Typically: 1–2 Working Days

Reporting time may vary depending on laboratory workflow.

Who Should Take This Test?

This test is recommended for:

• Individuals with suspected dengue fever.
• Patients with high fever lasting several days.
• People with severe headache or pain behind the eyes.
• Individuals with muscle and joint pain.
• Patients with skin rash or unexplained bleeding.
• People living in or returning from dengue-endemic areas.
• Individuals during dengue outbreaks.
• Patients with suspected secondary dengue infection.
• Individuals whose doctor recommends dengue antibody testing.
• Patients requiring confirmation of recent or past dengue infection.