Immune response to VZV
The immune response in primary VZV infections is characterised by the production of IgM and IgG antibodies. Reactivations are frequently identified by the determination of VZV-specific IgA antibodies accompanied by a distinct IgG increase.

Diagnosis
To date, serological diagnosis of VZV infections is performed with various ELISAs for the detection of VZV-IgM, VZV-IgA, and VZV-IgG antibody isotypes.

Indications for VZV serology employing the medac VZV tests:
• To establish immune status
• To verify the success of immunisation (vaccination)
• To confirm a suspected infection with varizella or zoster
• To clarify infections during pregnancy
• To identify infections with CNS involvement, e.g. differential diagnosis in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or acute encephalitis (serum-CSF diagnosis)

The following test system is available:
• VZV-IgM-ELA Test PKS medac (qualitative)
• VZV-IgA-ELISA PKS medac (quantitative)
• VZV-IgG-ELISA PKS medac (quantitative, WHO-standardised)

For test procedure and test performance please refer to the corresponding Directions for use.