Bordetella pertussis IgM antibodies

Testing the level of IgM antibodies against Bordetella pertussis in the blood.

The determination of IgM antibody levels is used in the diagnosis of pertussis. Pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, caused by the Bordatella pertussis bacterium, is an infectious disease that runs in the form of bronchitis of a chronic nature, with severe coughing attacks. IgM antibody levels increase in the second week of symptomatic illness.

IgM antibodies persist for 2-3 months, after which they disappear. Elevated IgM antibody titers are indicative of fresh pertussis infection, only in unvaccinated individuals or those who last dose of pertussis vaccine received several years ago or earlier.