Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Nuclear Antigen Antibodies, IgG

Overview:

Aid in the diagnosis of EBV infections (infectious mononucleosis). EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgG antibodies do not appear during the acute phase of infection but appear around 2-4 months after initial clinical presentation and typically persist for life. The presence of EBNA IgG antibodies in healthy individuals typically indicates past immunological exposure to EBV; however, false positive results can occur. Additionally, approximately 5-10% of individuals infected with EBV never develop EBNA IgG antibodies. Because of the complex relationship that exists between the EBV virus/host reaction and clinical manifestation, tracking of EBV antibody patterns may assist in diagnosis of EBV infection. Individual levels of specific antibodies are not necessarily indicative of disease state but can be of diagnostic significance when tracked as an antibody response profile. Antibody response profiles for the different EBV antigens demonstrate a characteristic pattern for silent primary or persistent latent EBV infections, as well as for each of the EBV-associated disease.

The results for this test are not by themselves diagnostic and should be considered in association with other clinical data and patient symptoms.

This test is intended for qualitative determination only. The numeric value of the final result above the cutoff is not indicative of the amount of EBNA antibody.

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