Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) | Antibodies VCA-IgM (serum)

General Information

Epstein-Barr virus is a widespread lymphotropic herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The infection is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person.

The virus multiplies in the epithelial cells of the oropharynx, from where it is subsequently shed into saliva and lymphocytes. After the initial infection, the virus remains latent in the body for life.

Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is based on clinical and anamnestic data and serological test results (atypical lymphocytes and antibodies).

IgM antibodies (heterophile) develop approximately 2 weeks after primary infection. Over 2-3 months, IgM antibody titers decrease and IgG antibodies (heterophile) increase, which often persist after recovery.

In 10-20% of clinical cases of mononucleosis, heterophilic (IgM, IgG) antibodies are practically absent, especially in children. In such situations, diagnostics is based on the detection of antibodies VCA-IgM to the specific (VCA) viral capsid antigen. This type of antibodies is characteristic of the acute phase of the disease.

VCA-IgM antibodies appear early in the infection, within 2 weeks of illness onset. Simultaneously, an increase in VCA-IgG titer is also observed.

Most people with mononucleosis have elevated VCA-IgM and VCA-IgG antibodies.

Patient preparation – not necessary

study sample – Venous blood

Determination of Epstein-Barr antibodies gives less informative results:

• In immunocompromised individuals
• In newborns
• In the diagnostics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• In diagnosing Burkitt's lymphoma
• The performance of the test has not been investigated in immunodeficient patients, neonates, or in blood samples from giardia; it has also not been investigated for the diagnostics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, or other EBV-associated lymphomas.