Dengue Fever Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM
Understanding Dengue Fever Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM
What is Dengue Fever Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM?
Dengue Antigen NS1, IgG and IgM test detects the non-structural protein component (NS1) of the dengue virus and the antibodies (IgG & IgM) produced by the body in response to the infection. NS1 and IgM is secreted into the blood during dengue infection and are detectable within 3-4 days of illness. Therefore this test helps in early diagnosis and treatment of dengue infection. IgG antibodies appear after 14th day of infection and persist for life.
The initial symptoms which are commonly seen in dengue include sudden high fever, fatigue and flu-like symptoms.
If left untreated the infection may progress to a severe forms such as Dengue hemorrhagic fever or Dengue shock syndrome.
What is Dengue Fever Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM used for?
The Dengue Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM test is done in case there is high fever within 2 weeks of travel to an area where dengue outbreak is occurring or dengue fever is endemic.
What does Dengue Fever Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM measure?
Contains 3 testsDengue Fever NS1 Antigen
A Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test measures the NS-1 protein of the dengue virus. This protein is secreted into the blood during the infection, hence it can be detected during the early stages of the infection only. This test is sensitive for 7 days after the symptoms are experienced. After day 7, the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test is not recommended.
If left untreated, dengue fever may progress to a severe form such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can go to a higher grade. It might also include variable bleeding manifestations like bleeding from the nose, vomiting blood, passing blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, and cold clammy skin, especially in the extremities. During the second phase, the virus may attack blood vessels, causing capillaries to leak fluid into the space around the lungs (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites).
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever that is caused when the body's immune system overreacts to the dengue virus. It can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and dehydration, and if not managed timely, it may lead to multiple organ failures.
There is no specific treatment for dengue, but early diagnostic testing, such as the dengue NS1 antigen can prevent the advancement of dengue to its complicated forms.
Know more about Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen
Dengue Fever IgG & IgM
This further contains
- Dengue Antibody IgM
- Dengue Antibody IgG
Interpreting Dengue Fever Antigen NS1, IgG & IgM results
Interpretations
Result in index |
Remarks |
Negative (<0.9) |
No detectable dengue NS1 antigen. The result does not rule out dengue infection. An additional sample should be tested for IgG & IgM serology in 7-14 days.
|
Equivocal (0.9-1.1) |
Repeat sample after 1 week
|
Positive (>1.1) |
Presence of detectable dengue NS1 antigen. Dengue IgG & IgM serology assays should be performed on follow up samples after 5-7 days of onset of fever, to confirm dengue infection. |
Note: Recommended to do NS1 Antigen by ELISA in the first 5 days of fever. After 7-10 days of continuous fever, the recommended test is Dengue fever antibodies IgG & IgM by ELISA.
ANTIBODY DETECTED |
REMARKS |
IgM |
Primary Dengue |
IgM & IgG |
Late Primary / Early Secondary Dengue |
IgG |
Secondary / Past Dengue |