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IgM levels in West Nile infections

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Why does IgM increase by four fold with west nile virus between acute and four weeks later? Please explain the pathophysiology ie. complement system.

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Solution Summary

The expert examines IgM levels in West Nile infections. The acute symptoms and four weeks later symptoms are determined.

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I will attempt to give you a more complete explanation. Let's start out with the key terms.

IgM- A large 'natural' antibody that is often the result of activation of the compliment system. It is the first antibody expressed in mature B cells. They during infections and can persist for weeks afterwards.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IgM)

Complement system- This is apart of immunity that is responsible for clearing pathogenic organisms and cells from the body. It involves both acquired and innate immunity.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complement_system)

West Nile Virus- A virus that causes flu-like symptoms that can be fatal. There has been an increased concerned about this mosquito-born virus in North America due to its sudden appearance and infection of numerous bird species and people. This virus can can through the blood-brain barrier and cause encephalitis. Diagnosis is performed by the detection of IgM in the blood or cerebro-spinal fluids (because IgM is large and cannot cross the blood brain barrier the detection of IgM in brain fluids is an indication of an infection in that tissue).
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Nile_virus)

Now to the main question, why does WNV trigger IgM production and the complement system?

Infection with the ...

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