Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A Multiplex Serological Assay for the Detection of Antibody Responses to Arboviruses
Published on: November 4, 2025
Cerebrospinal fluid IgM cross-reactivity among arboviruses in Japanese encephalitis patients from southern India
Amrita Pattanaik1, D Swapna Reddy1, Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay1
1Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Background:
In regions where multiple arboviruses co-circulate, serological diagnosis of neuroinvasive infections is complicated by antibody cross-reactivity. IgM detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is often considered evidence of etiologic infection.
Methods:
We retrospectively screened CSF samples positive for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) IgM for IgM antibodies against dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and West Nile virus (WNV). Clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were analyzed for a subset of confirmed cases.
Results:
Among 60 JEV IgM-positive CSF samples, cross-reactive IgM antibodies were detected against DENV (46.7%), CHIKV (10%), and WNV (23%). Cross-reactive IgM levels were consistently lower than JEV-specific IgM. Poor clinical outcomes were associated with higher CSF leukocyte counts, protein, and lactate levels.
Conclusions:
CSF IgM cross-reactivity among arboviruses is frequent in Japanese encephalitis and may confound etiological diagnosis. Integrated diagnostic algorithms are required in endemic settings.
More Related Videos
12:20Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses
Published on: December 29, 2015
09:37Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique
Published on: September 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Arboviral Encephalitis
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Viral Meningitis