Hanta Virus Antibodies-IgM
Hanta Virus Antibodies-IgM
Hantavirus is a viral disease transmitted to humans primarily by breathing dust particles contaminated with the urine, saliva, or feces of infected mice. On rare occasions, infection may also occur through rodent bite.
Several types of hantavirus exist, each affecting different organs and causing various forms of disease. While some types target the lungs, leading to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), others impact the kidneys, resulting in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Both infections are life-threatening and share several overlapping symptoms.
Detecting antibodies (IgM and IgG) in the human serum is the most common approach for diagnosing and confirming hantavirus infections.
Your doctor may request enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) utilizing the Hantavirus IgM antibody test to determine the levels of the IgM antibodies against the hantavirus in serum or plasma. This test, along with a hantavirus IgG test, helps detect acute or recent infections
What is Hanta Virus Antibodies-IgM Used For?
The Hanta Virus Antibodies-IgM is used:
To find out if the patient had any recent hantavirus exposure
Symptoms of Hantavirus disease
Symptoms of hantavirus begin as a flu-like illness and, on average, appear within two to four weeks after exposure to the virus. They develop abruptly and may include
High fever
Headaches
Vomiting
Nausea
Back pain
Stomach pain
Muscle aches
Cough
Preparation for Test
You don’t need to prepare for the Hantavirus Antibodies-IgM Test in advance. However, let your doctor know all the medications or supplements you take and any underlying conditions, including allergies you may have, to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of Hantavirus IgM antibody testing are interpreted as follows:
Positive results (Abnormal)
This report indicates the presence of IgM antibodies against the hantavirus, pointing to recent or acute infection. However, the results should be correlated with clinical history and other laboratory data for definitive diagnosis.
Negative result(Normal)
It indicates the likely absence of detectable IgM antibodies in the sample
FAQs
Should I get myself detected for hantavirus if I had rodent exposure but no symptoms?
Of course, you can undergo testing for hantavirus if you suspect exposure to rodents. However, it's advisable to consult your doctor first to assess your risk of infection because the odds of acquiring hantavirus disease are rare. And without symptoms, giving a definitive diagnosis is hard
. How long do Hantavirus-specific IgM antibodies last?
Hantavirus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies typically emerge in the blood at the onset of symptoms. They are detectable during the acute phase of infection and gradually decrease over a period of 2–6 months
Who is at a high risk for Hantavirus disease?
Anyone living or working in closed spaces where rodents live is at greater risk of exposure to hantavirus
Can babies get hantavirus infection?
Hantavirus infection is less likely to occur in children than adults, although several cases worldwide have been still reported, occurring mostly because of infected family members
How early can hantavirus be detected?
On average, hantavirus can be detected between 2 and 4 weeks after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, or saliva of infected mice
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