
Varicella Zoster, IgM antibody










The Varicella Zoster, IgM antibody test looks for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the blood. This test helps identify recent or active infection with VZV, which is responsible for chickenpox (Varicella) and shingles (Herpes Zoster).








What does Varicella Zoster, IgM antibody measure?
The Varicella Zoster, IgM antibody is used to detect the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies specific to the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) in the blood. IgM antibodies are typically produced by the immune system in response to a recent or acute infection. This test is particularly valuable for diagnosing a current or recent infection with VZV, which causes chickenpox (varicella) during the initial infection and shingles (herpes zoster) upon reactivation later in life.
The presence of IgM antibodies indicates that the infection is in its early stages, as IgM is one of the first antibodies the body produces following exposure to the virus. This test helps differentiate between recent infections and other conditions with similar symptoms. The insights from this test helps doctors guide appropriate treatment and management strategies, especially in identifying active infections and implementing timely interventions to prevent the spread of the virus.





FAQs related to Varicella Zoster, IgM antibody
- Laboratory Testing for Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) [Internet]. CDC; 31 Oct. 2019 [Accessed 29 Aug. 2024]. Available from:
- Goswami S, Mahajan P, Goswami S, Khatri S, Verma SK. Detection of blaNDM-1 & characterization of ESBL co-producers from a tertiary care center. Indian Pediatr. 2017 Dec;54(12):1041-1046. [Accessed 29 Aug. 2024] Available from:
- Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 29 Aug. 2024]. Available from:
- Sidhu AS, Akhondi H. Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin. [Updated 2024 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:
- Ayoade F, Kumar S. Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox) [Updated 2022 Oct 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:
- Kangro HO, Ward A, Argent S, Heath RB, Cradock-Watson JE, Ridehalgh MK. Detection of specific IgM in varicella and herpes zoster by antibody-capture radioimmunoassay. Epidemiol Infect. 1988 Aug;101(1):187-95. [Accessed 29 Aug. 2024]. Available from:
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