Antibodies glandular fever IgM
EBV antibodies IgM are immunoglobulins of the IgM type that the body produces as a direct response to an initial or ongoing infection in glandular fever or mononucleosis. These antibodies are part of the body's immediate immune response to fight the viral infection.
When does the body start producing IgM antibodies against glandular fever?
In the initial stage of glandular fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, the body starts the production of IgM antibodies as part of the immune system to fight the viral infection. The presence of these IgM antibodies in the blood can be used as an indication to identify glandular fever. These IgM antibodies are usually detectable during the first weeks of infection and signal an active and ongoing immune response to EBV.
How is glandular fever spread?
Glandular fever is transmitted primarily through saliva and can be transmitted through kissing, sharing drink containers or other forms of close contact with a person infected with the virus. Transmission of the virus is most common during the initial phase of the disease, but persons who have undergone an EBV infection may continue to shed the virus and be infectious for a longer period. Generally speaking, (EBV) is very widespread globally and most people will have experienced an infection by adulthood. An estimated 90-95% of the world's population carries EBV, which means that they have been infected at some point in their lives.
Analysis of EBV antibodies IgM
Analyses for EBV IgM antibodies are carried out with a blood sample that is analyzed to detect the presence of IgM antibodies. The presence of these antibodies gives a positive test result, indicating an ongoing or recent EBV infection. Positive results for EBV antibodies IgM indicate an active immune response against the virus and can be used to diagnose an acute EBV infection.