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

Also known as: EBV Nuclear Antigen, IgG Antibodies, EBV-NA, EBNA Antibodies

Clinical Use

Use

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.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

This test's results are not definitive on their own and must be considered alongside other clinical data and symptoms. The test is designed for qualitative determination only, and any numeric result above the cutoff is not indicative of antibody quantity. False positives can occur, and the absence of EBNA IgG does not rule out EBV infection.

Test Details