Interpretation

The presence of IgG-class antibodies to dengue virus (DV) is consistent with exposure to this virus sometime in the past. By 3 weeks following exposure, nearly all immunocompetent individuals should have developed IgG antibodies to DV.

The presence of IgM-class antibodies to DV is consistent with acute-phase infection.

IgM antibodies become detectable 3 to 7 days following infection and may remain detectable for up to 6 months or longer following disease resolution.

The absence of IgM-class antibodies to DV is consistent with lack of infection. However, specimens collected too soon following exposure may be negative for IgM antibodies to DV. If DV remains suspected, a second specimen, collected approximately 10 to 12 days following exposure should be tested.

The presence of dengue nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen is consistent with acute-phase infection with dengue virus.

The NS1 antigen is typically detectable within 1 to 2 days following infection and up to 9 days following symptom onset.

NS1 antigen may also be detectable during secondary dengue virus infection, but for a shorter duration of time (1-4 days following symptom onset).

The absence of dengue NS1 antigen is consistent with the lack of acute-phase infection.

The NS1 antigen may be negative is samples collected immediately following dengue virus infection (<24-48 hours) and is rarely detectable following 9 to 10 days of symptoms.