Varizella zoster virus IgM

Varizella zoster virus (HHV-3) IgM first infection (serum)

Shingles results from local reactivation of varicella-zoster virus. It occurs mainly in the elderly and with weakened resistance. The incidence is about 3/1000 per year, rising to 10/1000 per year in 80-year-olds. About half of 90-year-olds have ever had it. About 6% get it a second time (usually after many years).

Most Dutch people experience chickenpox (varicella) as a child and then become resistant to the herpes zoster virus. Later in life with deteriorating resistance, a local recurrence can occur in a dermatome, hence the name shingles.Often severe pain, especially in adults.

Immune-compromised patients have a greater chance of a serious course of shingles and post-herpetic pain. After an attack, the immune response to the virus increases again, but a new outbreak of shingles remains possible.

The herpes blisters may be contagious during the first 1-2 weeks to persons who have not yet had chickenpox (leading to chickenpox). Staying home from work or school is not helpful. The disease is dangerous for newborns if mother has shingles in the period five days before to two days after birth and for patients with impaired immunity.


Method EIAreference
< 1.0 RatioIgM

antibodies to Varizalla Zoster occur in initial infection and rarely in reactivation.

For the assessment of primary infection and VZV reactivation, it is better to order Varizella Zoster IgA.