Unit Code 8301:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Antibodies, IgG and IgM (Separate Determinations), Serum
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of a recent RSV infection
Clinical Information
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of human
respiratory infection. It strikes most frequently and severely in the
very young and is a common cause of bronchiolitis, pneumonia,
or croup in young infants. Infections in older children and adults
tend to be milder and to involve the upper respiratory tract. RSV
infections are seasonal, from late fall to spring, and often occur in
epidemic form.
Reference Values
IgG: <1:10
IgM: <1:10
The presence of IgM class antibodies or a 4-fold or greater rise in
paired sera IgG titer indicates recent infection. The presence of
demonstrable IgG generally indicates past exposure and immunity.
See "Virology" in Special Instructions for additional interpretive
information.
Interpretation
Normals:
- IgG: <1:10
- IgM: <1:10
The presence of IgM class antibodies or a 4-fold or greater rise
in paired sera IgG titer indicates recent infection.
The presence of demonstrable IgG generally indicates past exposure
and immunity.
Cautions
For low IgG antibody levels with no demonstrable IgM, it is recommended
that a convalescent specimen be drawn in 2-4 weeks.
Not useful for diagnosis from spinal fluid.
Special Instructions and Forms
Clinical Reference
Tristram DA, Welliver RC: Respiratory syncytial virus. In Manual of
Clinical Microbiology. 7th edition. Edited by PR Murray, EJ Baron,
MA Pfaller, et al. Washington, DC, American Society for Microbiology,
1999, pp 942-950
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