Herpesvirus 6 Antibodies (IgM) details
What Herpesvirus 6 Antibodies (IgM) shows
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a very common virus that most people catch in early childhood, where it is a known cause of roseola, a fever followed by a rash. After infection, it stays dormant in the body for life and can occasionally reactivate. This test measures IgM antibodies to HHV-6, which are typically made early in an infection. A positive result can suggest a recent primary infection or a reactivation, while a negative result makes a recent infection less likely. IgM results for herpesviruses can be hard to interpret, because they may persist, appear during reactivation or cross-react, so they are interpreted alongside IgG results and your symptoms.
Tests that include Herpesvirus 6 Antibodies (IgM)
This test checks for the presence of IgM antibodies against herpesvirus 6 in the blood.
- Herpesvirus 6 Antibodies (IgM) Measures IgM antibodies to human herpesvirus 6, which can suggest a recent or reactivated HHV-6 infection.
HHV-6 is a distinct herpes virus that typically causes a self-limiting illness in patients who are not immunocompromised. In some patients, especially if immumocompromised, HHV-6 can cause febrile convulsions in infants, encephalitis mononucleosis-like symptoms, and hepatitis.
- Herpesvirus 6 Antibodies (IgG) Indicates past exposure to human herpesvirus 6, a common virus best known for causing roseola in young children.
- Herpesvirus 6 Antibodies (IgM) Measures IgM antibodies to human herpesvirus 6, which can suggest a recent or reactivated HHV-6 infection.
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