Measles virus IgM
Measles is an acute infectious disease caused by a paramyxovirus family virus. The main feature of the disease is its extremely high contagiousness. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. It is important to remember that measles is considered one of the leading causes of death in young children around the world.
Clinically, the disease is manifested by an increase in temperature to 40.50 C, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, and conjunctiva of the eyes. A specific spotted papular rash appears on the skin. Serological research methods are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of measles, especially with its erased or atypical forms. IgM antibodies appear in the blood during the acute period of the disease – 1-2 days after the appearance of characteristic skin rashes (according to other data, 80% of patients after 5-6 days), after 7 days – in 95%.
The peak concentration of immunoglobulins is observed after 2-3 weeks. Further, their concentration remains at the same level for 4 weeks, then they are gradually removed from the bloodstream. In half of the patients, IgM completely disappears 4 months after the onset of the disease. When analyzing before the rash appears, a negative result is possible, in which case it is advisable to repeat the analysis after 1-2 weeks. A false positive result is possible if the subject has chronic active hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or infectious mononucleosis.
Read also: The Undefeated Measles Virus, Measles Is A Childhood Infection With Terrible Complications