ARBOVIRUS ANTIBODIES - serum

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Specimen: Acute and convalescent samples; 5-10 mL blood in plain tube.

Method: EIA, CFT, HAI, virus neutralisation.

Reference Interval: Method dependent. Consult pathologist.

Application: Selection of tests is determined by clinical features and geographical exposure; consult pathologist. Examples include infections caused by Ross River, dengue, Sindbis, Barmah Forest, Australian (Murray Valley) encephalitis, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis viruses; infections caused by Chikungunyah, O'nyong-nyong, Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses.

Interpretation: A fourfold rise in antibody titre indicates recent infection. For many of the arboviruses a positive IgM indicates relatively recent infection, but for Ross River virus infection, in particular, the IgM may remain positive for up to several years. The relative levels of IgG and IgM must be assessed for appropriate interpretation of results. Arbovirus infections may stimulate low level antibodies to a number of related viruses; consult pathologist.

Reference: Tsai TF. In: Murray PR et al eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 6th ed. ASM Press 1995.

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