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Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM

Also referred as

Dengue Serology

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A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test is performed to check the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies produced by the immune system of an affected individual in response to dengue infection. It helps determine the stage of disease, differentiate between recent and past infections, and aid in the appropriate and timely management of the infection.

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Understanding Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus. The virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Early detection and differentiation are crucial, as secondary dengue infections can sometimes lead to more severe forms of the disease, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome.

A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test helps detect dengue and determine whether a person is currently infected (indicated by IgM) or was infected in the past (indicated by IgG). IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a dengue infection. They typically appear within 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms and persist for about 2-3 months. Their presence suggests a recent dengue infection. Whereas, IgG antibodies develop later in the course of the disease and stay for an extended period. Their presence indicates a past dengue infection or immunity from a previous infection. However, rising IgG levels may indicate a secondary dengue infection.

A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test may be advised if your doctor suspects dengue infection or if you have recently traveled to a dengue-prone area, even if they do not show any symptoms. Also, pregnant women should get tested for dengue if an infection is suspected, as they have a higher risk of developing DHF and can even pass dengue to their babies during pregnancy or at birth.

Usually, no special preparation is required for a Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test; eat and drink as per your daily routine. After two weeks of symptoms, additional blood sample testing may be needed to check if the antibody level is rising. Talk to your doctor about your test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What does Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM measure?

Contains 2 tests

A Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM test measures two parameters in the blood: IgG and IgM antibodies. When a dengue infection occurs, IgM antibodies are the first line of defense, and detection of these antibodies is most effective when done at least 7–10 days after exposure. With time, IgM antibodies fall below detectable levels. IgG antibodies, however, are produced more slowly in response to the infection. Levels of IgG rise with acute infection, stabilize, and persist for a long time.

Dengue fever is usually caused by the four dengue virus serotypes, with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection, undifferentiated fever, dengue fever (DF) to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with or without shock.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can go to a higher grade of fever. It might also include variable manifestations, like nose bleeding, vomiting blood, passing blood in the stool, breathing difficulty, cold, and clammy skin, especially in the extremities. During the second phase, the virus may attack blood vessels, causing capillaries to leak fluid into the space around the lungs (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites).

Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever caused when the body's immune system overreacts to the dengue virus. It can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and dehydration, and if not managed timely, it may lead to multiple organ failures.

Dengue Antibody, IgM

A Dengue Antibody, IgM test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood. It specifically detects the dengue-specific IgM antibodies produced by the body in response to the dengue virus. When a dengue infection occurs, IgM antibodies are the first line of defense. It helps identify recent dengue virus infection as the production of IgM antibodies typically occurs within the first few days to a couple of weeks after the onset of the symptoms.

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Dengue IgG Antibody

A Dengue IgG Antibody test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific to Dengue virus in the blood. These antibodies typically appear in the blood a few weeks after the onset of dengue symptoms or exposure to the virus. However, this can vary, but generally IgG antibodies become detectable during the recovery phase of the infection.

IgG antibodies indicate a past exposure or infection with the Dengue virus and provide information about the individual’s immune response to the virus.a

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FAQs related to Dengue Fever, IgG & IgM

What are the most common symptoms of dengue fever?

The most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, nausea, rash, and swollen glands. Sometimes the infection remains asymptomatic (without symptoms).

Can I be infected with dengue without noticeable symptoms?

Yes, dengue infection can be asymptomatic, especially in cases of primary infection. Some individuals might have mild symptoms, often mistaken for the flu or another viral infection.

What is the difference between primary and secondary dengue infection?

In a primary dengue infection, the symptoms are typically mild. Meanwhile, a secondary dengue infection occurs when a person is infected a second time with a different strain of the virus and is often more severe than the first infection.

How many days does dengue fever last?

Dengue fever can last up to 2–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people will recover after about a week.

How serious can a dengue fever be?

Rarely some people who get sick with dengue may develop severe dengue fever, which can result in shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, or even death. Severe dengue fever is life-threatening and needs medical interventions. If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop it. Infants and pregnant women are also at higher risk for developing severe dengue symptoms.

What does it mean when my test results show positive dengue IgG?

Dengue IgG positive means IgG antibodies against dengue fever are detected in your blood sample. This may indicate a past infection or a current one.

What does it mean if my test results show positive dengue IgM?

A positive dengue IgM suggests a recent infection of dengue.

What foods increase platelets in patients with dengue?

Coconut water, kiwi, apricot, orange, spinach, broccoli, date, walnuts, pomegranate, beetroot, papaya leaves, and whole grains can help increase platelet count in patients with dengue.

What treatments are available for dengue?

There is no specific treatment or antiviral medicine available for dengue. The available treatment is mainly supportive, based on observing hemorrhagic and circulatory abnormalities and laboratory test results (for example, electrolytes, platelets, and hemoglobin).

How can I prevent dengue infection naturally?

Some easy steps and precautions may help to control dengue infection, like covering and cleaning water containers regularly, wearing protective clothes, keeping your house tidy and clean, disposing of water correctly, applying mosquito repellent, and investing in mosquito nets.

Is dengue infection contagious?

Dengue fever is not contagious, so it cannot spread directly from person to person. However, different viruses can cause dengue fever, and someone may get the disease more than once.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MD Lab Medicine, MBBS

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Last Updated

13th Oct 2025