Prenatal Infectious Disease Antibodies, Quantitative, IgM

Toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes are all causes of potentially catastrophic congenital infections, which can be quickly fatal or lead to chronic sequelae including hepatitis, encephalitis, and failure to thrive. Demonstration of IgM antibody or rising titers of IgG antibody can confirm a diagnosis of specific infection. The availability of IgM specific assays also determines whether antibody in cord blood represents passive transfer from the mother (IgG antibody) or signifies congenital infection (IgM antibody).