Dengue NS1 Antigen and Antibodies Test

The Dengue NS1 antigen and antibodies qualitative test is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of dengue virus in a person's blood. Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The test is designed to detect two different types of markers in the blood: NS1 antigen and antibodies.

• NS1 antigen is a protein that is produced by the dengue virus during the early stages of infection. Antibodies, on the other hand, are proteins that are produced by the immune system in response to the virus. The Dengue NS1 antigen and antibodies qualitative test can detect both NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibodies.
• The NS1 antigen test is used to diagnose dengue fever in the early stages of infection, usually within the first week. The IgM antibody test can detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus, typically within 3–5 days after the onset of symptoms. The IgG antibody test can detect antibodies produced by the immune system at a later stage, usually around day 14 of the illness.
• A positive NS1 antigen test indicates an active dengue infection, while a positive IgM or IgG antibody test indicates a past or recent infection with the dengue virus. It is important to note that the Dengue NS1 antigen and antibodies qualitative test cannot differentiate between the different serotypes of dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4).

This test can be useful for diagnosing dengue fever in areas where the disease is endemic, and it can also help in monitoring the course of the disease and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.