Does low IgM occur in herpes infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

I got the results of immunoglobulin with IgG of 1128 mg/dL and IgM of 41 mg/dL. Does it indicate something that I need to consult a doctor immediately?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. According to the investigation, you have a IgG (immunoglobulin G) of 1128 mg/dL (normal range : 600 to 1640 mg/dL) and IgA (immunoglobulin A) of 193 mg/dL (normal range : 47 to 310 mg/dL). Both IgG and IgA are within normal limits. But IgM (immunoglobulin M) presents with a value of 41 mg/dL (normal range : 50 to 300 mg/dL) and it is below the normal limit. Low IgM levels are nonspecific. The significance of the result depends on the clinical presentation and other laboratory parameters. IgM is the first antibody released when the immune system gets a new infection. Low IgM indicates a chronic infection and chronic diseases like diabetes. Medications like steroids can cause it. If you do not have any clinical features at this time, then you need not be worried. You can repeat IgM after 15 to 30 days. If you have any clinical features in the body, then you need to consult the doctor immediately.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your changing limits of IgM occurs in HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus 1). There are different types of immunoglobulin tests for specific diseases. There are different types of immunoglobulin such as IgG, IgA, IgE, IgM, and IgD. You can do a test for IgG and IgM antibodies for HSV 1. A positive HSV 1 can show IgG antibodies. It indicates that these antibodies are present in the body after getting an infection. Again IgM antibody for HSV 1 is detectable after nine to ten days of exposure and lasts for seven to fourteen days.