Occurrence of Immunoglobulin M Antibodies against Several Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Acute Hantavirus Infection

Abstract

ABSTRACT Elevated levels of immunoglobulin M antibodies against various pathogens, most frequently Epstein-Barr-virus and Coxiella burnetii , were detected by immunoassay in 15 of 48 patients (31.3%) with acute Puumala virus infections. Although the mechanisms leading to this IgM response are not clear yet, polyspecific immunoglobulin M antibodies have to be taken into account to avoid misinterpretation of serological results in acute hantavirus infection.