Seroconversion is the development of detectable specific antibodies to microorganisms in the serum as a result of infection or immunization. Serology (the testing for antibodies) is used to determine antibody positivity. Prior to seroconversion, the blood tests seronegative for the antibody; after seroconversion, the blood tests seropositive for the antibody. Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is so small that it is microscopic (invisible to the naked eye). ... Blood plasma is a component of blood. ... An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. ... Immunization (AmE) or Immunisation (BE) has a number of meanings: In medicine immunization is the process by which an individual is exposed to a material that is designed to prime his or her immune system against that material. ... Serology is a medical blood test to detect the presence of antibodies against a microorganism. ... Seronegative is a general term that means absent from the blood. More specifically, it almost always is used to refer to antibodies being absent from the blood. ... Schematic of antibody binding to an antigen An antibody is a protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. ... A commonly used term for a postive serum reaction. ...

The word is often used in reference to blood testing for anti-HIV antibodies. The human immunodeficiency virus, commonly called HIV, is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system such as CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. ...

Background

The immune system maintains an "immunological memory" against past pathogens to facilitate early detection and to confer protective immunity against a rechallenge. This explains why many childhood diseases never recur in adulthood (and when they do, it generally indicates immunosuppression). The immune system is the system of specialised cells and organs that protect an organism from outside biological influences. ... Immunosuppression is the medical suppression of the immune system. ...

During a primary immune response, both IgG and IgM immunoglobulins are produced. Image File history File links IgM_and_IgG.png IgM and IgG levels during infection and reinfection. ... Schematic of antibody binding to an antigen An antibody is a protein complex used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. ...

After the initial phase of the infection, IgM levels drop (and become undetectable) but IgG levels remain detectable. Upon reinfection, IgM levels rise again. IgG levels can increase slightly, but an elevated IgG titre cannot reveal if the infection is recent or currently active. Presence of IgM is a sign of current or recent infections. Presence of IgG suggests past infection or immunization. Immunization (AmE) or Immunisation (BE) has a number of meanings: In medicine immunization is the process by which an individual is exposed to a material that is designed to prime his or her immune system against that material. ...