Which serologic test may be used to detect Ebola antibodies as part of the diagnostic workup?

Which serologic test may be used to detect Ebola antibodies as part of the diagnostic workup?

• A. RT-PCR
• B. Urine dipstick
• C. ELISA IgG, IgM
• D. Chest X-ray

Answer: (C)

Measuring the body’s antibody response to Ebola is a serologic approach, meaning it looks for host antibodies rather than the virus itself. The test that detects Ebola-specific antibodies in serum is an ELISA that targets IgM and IgG. IgM indicates a recent infection, appearing early after exposure, while IgG appears later and can persist, indicating past exposure or a later stage of infection. Using ELISA to detect these antibodies helps confirm exposure or infection as part of the diagnostic workup, especially after the initial acute phase when antibody levels rise. RT-PCR, by contrast, detects viral RNA and is most useful for acute diagnosis in the early phase of infection. Urine dipstick and chest X-ray do not assess antibodies and are not used to diagnose Ebola.

Measuring the body’s antibody response to Ebola is a serologic approach, meaning it looks for host antibodies rather than the virus itself. The test that detects Ebola-specific antibodies in serum is an ELISA that targets IgM and IgG.

IgM indicates a recent infection, appearing early after exposure, while IgG appears later and can persist, indicating past exposure or a later stage of infection. Using ELISA to detect these antibodies helps confirm exposure or infection as part of the diagnostic workup, especially after the initial acute phase when antibody levels rise.

RT-PCR, by contrast, detects viral RNA and is most useful for acute diagnosis in the early phase of infection. Urine dipstick and chest X-ray do not assess antibodies and are not used to diagnose Ebola.