Varicella Zoster Virus Antibodies, IgM

IgM is useful in determining active VZV disease.

Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) is the virus that is responsible for chickenpox and shingles. VZV is a member of the herpes virus family. IgM is a type of antibody that is initially produced in response to disease. When infected with VZV, IgM antibodies against VZV are the first antibodies to be produced during the disease duration. They are usually present in the blood for the first week or two before the levels eventually drop to undetectable levels, after which, IgG antibodies take over their function. Therefore, IgM is especially useful in determining if there is active disease, since this is the only time there will be VZV IgM antibodies present in the blood.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Rash which is itchy or painful
• People at high risk of dying from VZV infection, such as transplant recipient or pregnant women

Also Known As: VZV IgM, Chicken Pox