Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

Interpretations of EBV serologies, unlike standard viral serologies on paired sera, are based on the differential profiles of antibodies in a single serum against multiple antigens. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis (IM) or mononucleosis-like syndrome (MLS).

Viral capsid antigen complex (VCA), IgG and IgM responses are rapid and occur almost simultaneously. VCA-IgM antibodies are reliably detectable only during primary infections. Due to the variable incubation period and intensity of symptoms, by the time patients consult their physicians, nearly all have reached peak titers of IgG. In general, both IgG and IgM become detectable within 2.3 weeks of onset and peak at 4.6 weeks. VCA-IgM disappears rapidly thereafter, while IgG wanes slightly and then varies little for life.

EBNA IgG response often can yield valuable information as to the patient\’s underlying problems since 10 to 15% of the IM patients have no detectable VCA-IgM response by the time of the first serum collection. EBNA antibodies are absent during the acute phase. Their gradual appearance begins during the first to second month after onset, persisting for life. Hence, VCA-IgG antibodies found with low titer or no anti-EBNA indicates acute IM phase serum, whereas VCA-IgG antibodies in the presence of peak titer anti-EBNA indicate a later infection.

GenBio offers the following EBV specific tests in the ImmunoWELL format:

• EBV VCA IgG
• EBV VCA IgM
• EBNA IgG

Additionally, for rapid testing of multiple analytes simultaneously on one or several patients, GenBio offers the ImmunoDOT Mono M and Mono G tests.

The Mono M test includes a single device for simultaneously testing:

• Heterophil antibodies
• EBV VCA IgM
• CMV IgM

The Mono G test includes a single device for simultaneously testing:

• EBV VCA IgG
• EBNA-1 IgG
• CMV IgG
• Toxoplasma gondii IgG