Interpretation.
The test has 3 components: viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, VCA IgM, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA).
Presence of VCA IgM antibodies indicates recent primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
The presence of VCA IgG antibodies indicates infection sometime in the past..
A blood sample is needed.
The sample is sent to a lab, where a lab specialist looks for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus.
In the first stages of an illness, little antibody may be detected.
For this reason, the test is often repeated in 10 days to 2 or more weeks..
Biosafety Level 2: This product is to be handled as a potentially biohazardous material under Biosafety Level 2 containment or higher..
The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), formally called Human gammaherpesvirus 4, is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family, and is one of the most common viruses in humans.
EBV is a double-stranded DNA virus..
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is classified in the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Gamaherpesvirinae, genus Lymphocryptovirus and species Human herpesvirus 4.
Sequencing-based studies revealed the existence of two types of EBV.
It is estimated that this ubiquitous virus has infected more than 90% of the world's population..
Some types of EBV antibodies are present in higher numbers during an active infection.
Other EBV antibodies mean that you had an infection in the past.
Depending on the type of antibodies your test shows, your healthcare provider can find out more about what is causing your illness..
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has long been known as a risk factor for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) (1)..
Optimal Result: 0 - 18 U/mL..
Some types of EBV antibodies are present in higher numbers during an active infection.
Other EBV antibodies mean that you had an infection in the past.
Depending on the type of antibodies your test shows, your healthcare provider can find out more about what is causing your illness..
EBV is found all over the world.
Most people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives.
EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, primarily saliva.
EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses..
One of the clinical differences between them is that type 1 can convert B cells into lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) more efficiently than type 215,16.
The geographical distribution of EBV types shows that type 1 is the most prevalent in the world, predominantly in Europe, Asia and North and South America..
EBV-encoded genes rapidly lead to oncogenesis by activating cellular oncogenes or interacting with proteins in host cells.
The latent proteins and miRNAs encoded by EB virus in host cells alone or in combination drive the cell cycle through a variety of pathways..
B cells are the principal targets of EBV infection, primarily due to their expression of CD21, the major receptor for the virus..
However, the antibody pattern is not stable before symptoms appear.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpes virus that occurs only in humans.
Laboratory testing can help distinguish whether someone is susceptible to EBV infection or has a recent or past infection.
High or elevated antibody levels may be present for years and are not diagnostic of recent infection.
Testing paired acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples is not useful to distinguish between recent and past EBV infections.
