The use of IgM antibody responses in the diagnosis of primary infections to measles, rubella, mumps, and M. Parainfluenzae viruses.

One-hundred and twenty-seven sera were tested to determine whether a primary infection could be identified by a determination of the class of antibody (IgM) detected in serum collected in the period after a viral infection. Serum was collected from patients with a history of measles (18 cases), rubella (24 cases), mumps (12 cases), and M. parainfluenzae type 3 infections (9 cases). The results of the serological assays are compared with clinical observations and the limitations of the methods under consideration are discussed.