Varicella zoster Antibodies IgM, IgG, IgA (chicken pox)

General Information

A varicella zoster antibody test in the blood shows whether a person has immunity to the varicella zoster virus.

Chickenpox is an acute viral infection caused by varicella zoster. Varicella zoster (VZV) is a DNA virus of the herpes virus group. After the initial infection, the virus remains in the organism in the form of a latent infection in the ganglia of sensory nerves. Smallpox occurs during primary infection. Reactivation of latent infection causes herpes zoster.

Clinical signs

The incubation period of smallpox lasts 14-16 days on average.
The rash is generalized and brown. The rash begins as papules (nodules), rapidly progressing to the formation of papules and blisters. The rash is represented by units at different stages of development. The blisters are concentrated on the chest and back, as well as on the hairy part of the head. Duration of symptoms is 4-7 days - brown rash, weakness and fever up to 39-40 degrees. The risk of complications is high in immunocompromised individuals.

Varicella zoster usually leaves a strong immunity, meaning that repeated infection does not occur, although it can develop in immunocompromised people.

Ways of transmission

Varicella zoster is highly contagious. It can be spread by direct contact - from person to person, by inhaling air containing the contents of a blister or respiratory secretions emitted by a sick person.
An infected person is contagious 1-2 days before the rash develops, before the blisters are covered with fluff. The blisters of vaccinated individuals sometimes do not pus. They are considered contagious 24 hours after the last rash develops.

Varicella zoster – antibody testing

An immunological study is carried out to detect antibodies against the virus.
Research method – chemiluminescent immunoassay
The presence of IgG indicates past transmission of the virus and the presence of immunity. The presence of IgM indicates a recent viral process. IgG alone is insufficient to diagnose an acute process.
A negative response to immunoglobulins of varicella zoster virus does not rule out an acute process. The test may be negative during the incubation period and at the beginning of the acute period.

study sample
Venous blood

No special preparation is required