The Epstein Barr Virus Antibody Panel includes: Epstein Barr Viral Capsid Antigen, IgM (EBVCM); Epstein Barr Viral Capsid Antigen, IgG (EBVCG); Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen, IgG (EBVNA); and Epstein Barr Early Antigen, IgG (EBVEA). These tests may also be ordered individually.
Epstein Barr Viral Capsid Antigen, IgM: IgM antibodies to VCA are normally present in acute IM and generally absent in convalescence. A rise is indicative of an acute stage of infection or reactivation. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates immunological exposure either as silent primary infection or reactivation. Antibody levels tend to rise and peak after 3-4 weeks, then decline and usually dissipate after 2-3 months.
Epstein Barr Viral Capsid Antigen, IgG: IgG antibodies to VCA are normally present in acute and convalescent IM. A rise is indicative of an acute stage of infection. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates immunological exposure either as silent primary infection or past exposure. Antibody levels tend to rise and peak after 3-4 weeks, then decline and usually persist for life.
Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen, IgG: IgG antibodies to EBNA-1 are rarely present in acute IM and normally rise during convalescence. A rise may be indicative of progression from early to later stages of convalescence. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates past exposure. Antibody levels will rise to a plateau level in three months to a year and will normally persist for life.
Epstein Barr Early Antigen, IgG: IgG antibodies to EA-D are frequently present in acute IM and generally absent in convalescence. A rise may indicate acute infection, reactivation or chronic infection. The presence of antibodies in other healthy individuals usually indicates reactivation, especially when paired with rising EBNA-1 levels. Antibody levels tend to rise and peak after 3-4 weeks, then decline and usually dissipate after 6 months.