Common tests & procedures
You may also need to get some blood tests. One test looks for antibodies, substances your immune system makes in response to the EBV virus. Another test looks for a type of white blood cell your body uses to fight off the EBV infection. Like other viruses, Epstein-Barr can't be treated with antibiotics.
How do you test for Epstein-Barr virus?
At best, the Monospot test may indicate that a person has a typical case of infectious mononucleosis, but does not confirm the presence of EBV infection. EBV antibody tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis.
Can the monospot test detect Epstein-Barr virus?
Potential EBV infections are often diagnosed without any testing. However, blood tests can detect the presence of antibodies associated with EBV. One of these is known as the monospot test. However, the Centers for Disease Control doesn’t recommend it for general use because the results aren’t always accurate.
What tests are used to diagnose EBV?
[2] [3] Very rarely, an EBV infection will develop into CAEBV. Signs and symptoms of CAEBV may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver and/or spleen, liver function test abnormalities, and low levels of certain types of blood cells.
What are the signs and symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection?
How do doctors test for Epstein-Barr?
The EBV test is a blood test. During the test, blood is drawn at your doctor's office or at an outpatient clinical laboratory (or hospital lab). Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of your elbow.
What blood test shows Epstein-Barr virus?
Blood tests for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies are used to help diagnose EBV infection, the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (mono), if a person is symptomatic but has a negative mono test.
What are the symptoms of chronic Epstein-Barr?
Chronic EBVswollen or tender lymph nodes.fever.enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) or spleen (splenomegaly)fatigue.sore throat.headache.muscle pain.joint stiffness.More items...
Will you always test positive for Epstein-Barr?
Since approximately 90% of us have EBV, testing positive isn't significant unless you have EBV-like symptoms that can't be explained by another cause. Your medical provider will sort that out with you. Click here to read what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about EBV.
What is the best treatment for Epstein-Barr virus?
Although no medicine can cure an EBV infection, you can take these steps at home to ease your symptoms: Get plenty of rest. Drink a lot of water and other liquids to stay hydrated. Suck on lozenges or ice pops, or gargle with warm salt water, to make your sore throat feel better.
What are two major symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus infection?
Symptomsfatigue.fever.inflamed throat.swollen lymph nodes in the neck.enlarged spleen.swollen liver.rash.
What condition is commonly associated with Epstein-Barr virus infections?
EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses. Most people will get infected with EBV in their lifetime and will not have any symptoms. Mono caused by EBV is most common among teens and adults.
What doctor treats chronic Epstein-Barr virus?
You may be treated by a primary care provider (PCP), such as a family practitioner, an internist, or a child's pediatrician, for Epstein-Barr virus. If the symptoms of EBV become chronic, you may be referred to an infectious-disease specialist or an immunologist (also called an allergist/immunologist).
What is the normal Epstein Barr test results?
Optimal Result: 0 - 17.9 U/mL. EBV-VCA, IgG is an antibody (protein) that is produced by the body in an immune response to an Epstein-Barr virus antigen. EBV stands for Epstein-Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus is a virus that typically causes a mild to moderate illness.
What blood tests detect mono?
Types of mono tests include:Monospot test. This test looks for specific antibodies in the blood. These antibodies show up during or after during certain infections, including mono.EBV antibody test. This test looks for EBV antibodies, the main cause of mono. There are different types of EBV antibodies.
Will you always test positive for mono?
A small number of people with mononucleosis may never have a positive test. The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono.
What is EBV VCA IgA?
A positive serum IgA VCA titer indicates previous repeated infection by the virus or frequent reactivation of latent EBV in B cells. This has been used as a screening tool to identify subjects at high risk of NPC,4,5 as well as being a diagnostic criteria for undifferentiated NPC. 6.
How do you get mono?
You can also get it from drinking from the same glass or using an infected person's toothbrush. It's also found in blood and semen, so it's possible to get mono from sex, a blood transfusion, or an organ transplant.
Why is it called kissing disease?
It's also called the " kissing disease" because of one way you can spread it to someone else. Even though Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV) isn't a household name, you've probably been infected without knowing it. Lots of people carry the virus but don't get sick.
How long does it take for EBV to show up?
Once you're infected with EBV, symptoms can take 4 to 6 weeks to show up. When they do, they're often mild, especially in young children. Kids' symptoms may be more like those of a cold or flu. Teens often have more obvious symptoms of mono.
What does it mean when your belly hurts when you have mono?
There are some rare complications of mono, so see your doctor if you or your child has any of these symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain on the left side of the belly, which could mean a problem with your spleen.
What tests are needed for EBV?
You may also need to get some blood tests . One test looks for antibodies, substances your immune system makes in response to the EBV virus. Another test looks for a type of white blood cell your body uses to fight off the EBV infection.
How to tell if you have mono?
They might find signs that you have mono, such as an enlarged spleen, an organ in your belly that filters blood. Your doctor will also check to see if you have a swollen liver and white patches on your tonsils.
What to take for a fever in a 19 year old?
Take painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down fever and relieve body aches. (Don't give aspirin to children under 19 years of age because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.)
What is EBV testing?
Laboratory Testing. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, 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. Healthcare providers can test for antibodies to the following EBV-associated antigens: ...
What is the interpretation of EBV?
The interpretation of EBV antibody tests requires familiarity with these tests and access to the patient’s clinical information. Interpretation of EBV antibody tests and diagnosis of EBV infection is summarized as follows: People are considered susceptible to EBV infection if they do not have antibodies to the VCA.
How long does it take for an EBV antibody to disappear?
Anti-VCA IgM appears early in EBV infection and usually disappears within four to six weeks.
How long does it take for an anti-VCA IgG to disappear?
Anti-VCA IgM appears early in EBV infection and usually disappears within four to six weeks. Anti-VCA IgG appears in the acute phase of EBV infection, peaks at two to four weeks after onset, declines slightly then persists for the rest of a person’s life. Anti-EA IgG appears in the acute phase of illness and generally falls to undetectable levels ...
Can EBV be detected before diagnosis?
Resolution of the illness may occur before the diagnostic antibody levels appear. In rare cases, people with active EBV infections may not have detectable EBV-specific antibodies. Past infection. The presence of antibodies to both VCA and EBNA suggests past infection (from several months to years earlier).
Is EBV a primary infection?
People are considered susceptible to EBV infection if they do not have antibodies to the VCA. Primary (new or recent) infection. People are considered to have a primary EBV infection if they have anti-VCA IgM but do not have antibody to EBNA. Other results that strongly suggest a primary infection are a high or rising level ...
Can EBV be detected by antibody test?
EBV antibody tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. However, specific antibody tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness in people who do not have a typical case of infectious mononucleosis or have other illnesses that can be caused by EBV infection.
Is EBV reactivation from latency a serious complication?
Especially in the bone marrow or solid organ transplanted, or in otherwise severely immune-suppressed patients, prolonged EBV primary infection or EBV reactivation from latency may be a serious and life-threatening complication which needs to be diagnosed the faster the better, in order to take therapeutic steps in time.
Is Epstein-Barr a mononucleosis?
In cases of individuals which undergo primary infection in the form of an infectious mononucleosis, ...
Is Epstein-Barr a human infection?
The vast majority of the human adult population is infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and the majority of the EBV-infected individuals tolerates the infection well, without any further symptoms after primary infection. In cases of individuals which undergo primary infection in the form of an in …. Epstein-Barr Virus: Clinical Diagnostics ...
Is Epstein-Barr a clinical diagnosis?
Epstein-Barr Virus: Clinical Diagnostics. The vast majority of the human adult population is infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and the majority of the EBV-infected individuals tolerates the infection well, without any further symptoms after primary infection.
What is CAEBV in blood test?
CAEBV is characterized by ongoing symptoms and blood test evidence of an active EBV infection. It starts out as a typical EBV infection. However, some people’s immune systems aren’t able to control the infection, allowing the active virus to linger instead of going dormant.
How long can you pass EBV on to someone?
You’ll be able to pass EBV on to others as long as the virus is active, which could mean weeks or even months. Once the virus becomes inactive, you can no longer spread it to others, unless it reactivates.
How does EBV spread?
EBV infection is very common and is spread by coming into contact with infected bodily fluids. Often, people are infected during childhood and don’t experience any symptoms. If a teenager or adult is infected, they may experience symptoms like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
What is it? Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family that can infect humans. EBV infections are very common — you’ve probably already contracted the virus without even knowing it. The condition that you may associate EBV infection with is infectious mononucleosis, or mono.
When does EBV appear?
EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA). Antibodies to EBNA slowly appear in the months following infection and can be detected throughout a person’s life.
How long does it take for a VCA antibody to disappear?
Viral capsid antigen (VCA). Antibodies to VCA appear early in the infection. One type (anti-VCA IgM) disappears after several weeks while another (anti-VCA IgG) persists for life.
Why is monospot test not recommended?
One of these is known as the monospot test. However, the Centers for Disease Control doesn’t recommend it for general use because the results aren’t always accurate.
How long does mono stay in circulation?
EBNA antibodies are only detectable 3-4 weeks after the onset of symptoms, after mono has run its course and the virus is no longer active. In most cases, they stay in circulation for life and are a sign of a past infection [ 2, 9 ].
How long does it take for VCA IgM to disappear?
However, unlike VCA IgG antibodies, they disappear within a few weeks [ 16, 17 ].
What is the VCA antibody?
Viral capsid antigen ( VCA) IgG antibodies are directed against the protein shell (capsid) of the virus. These antibodies typically appear at the same time as infection symptoms [ 2 ].
How long does it take for Epstein-Barr antibodies to be detected?
Like their name suggests, they are found in the first 3-4 weeks of the infection and are no longer detectable after 3-4 months in most people [ 2, 23 ].
What does the immune system produce?
Your immune system produces antibodies against different parts, or antigens, of EBV. The type of antibodies that are detected in your blood helps your doctor determine if you have a current or past infection [ 9 ].
What happens after a virus goes away?
After the symptoms go away, the virus is contained and enters a dormant phase wherein it stops reproducing itself and spreading.
What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
Epstein-Barr Virus Basics. The Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV ), or human herpesvirus 4, is one of eight types of herpes viruses that are known to infect humans. EBV is extremely common: it is estimated that up to 90% of adults worldwide carry the virus [ 1, 2 ]. The virus usually does not cause any symptoms in children.
When Do You Need to Have an Epstein-Barr Virus Test?
The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis and other illnesses. It's spread primarily through saliva by kissing or sharing food and utensils. Many people are infected with EBV as children and don't have any symptoms. Mononucleosis occurs mostly in teens and adults.
What does it mean when you have antibodies to VCA and EBNA?
If you have antibodies to both VCA and EBNA, it means you've had an infection in the past. It could have been months or years ago. Most adults have these antibodies, because over 90% of adults have been infected with EBV at some point. You may have high levels of antibodies for years, so this doesn't mean you have an active infection.
How long does it take for an anti-EA antibody to show up?
Anti-EA IgG first shows up in the acute phase of your infection. After 3 to 6 months, anti-EA levels may become undetectable. But up to 20% of people have antibodies to EA for years. . EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA). You develop antibodies to EBNA 2 to 4 months after infection, and they last for the rest of your life.
What happens if you don't have antibodies to VCA?
If you don't have antibodies to the VCA you're considered susceptible to infection. Primary infection. You have a new or recent EBV infection if you have anti-VCA IgM but you don't have antibodies to EBNA.
How long does it take for an anti-VCA IgG to disappear?
Anti-VCA IgM appears when you're first infected with EBV and usually disappears in 4 to 6 weeks. Anti-VCA IgG first appears in the acute infection phase, peaks 2 to 4 weeks after infection, and then declines but stays with you for the rest of your life. . Early antigen (EA).
Why is EBV test not reliable?
It isn't reliable in children under 5 because they may not produce the antibody. It can produce false positives and false negatives. There are also other conditions that produce heterophile antibodies besides EBV. . But this test is often used because it's quick and inexpensive.
What is an antigen?
An antigen is a substance that your immune system doesn't recognize. Your immune system makes antibodies in response to antigens to fight them. Your doctor can check for antibodies to the following EBV antigens in your blood: . Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA).
What is the treatment for Epstein-Barr?
Treatment for chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) includes medication to help manage the symptoms. Hematopoietic stem-cell transplant is currently the only curative treatment for this condition. [6]
How long does Epstein-Barr virus last?
Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is diagnosed based on the symptoms, a clinical exam and high EBV DNA in the blood which persists for at least 3 months. A test known as a quantitative PCR test is used to measure the amount of EBV DNA. [3]
How long does CAEBV stay in your system?
It is diagnosed based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and blood tests that show EBV DNA remaining at high levels for at least 3 months.
What is CAEBV in a patient?
Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection ( CAEBV) is a rare complication of having Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV). About 95% of people become infected with the EBV by adulthood and many will have no symptoms. CAEBV occurs when an EBV infection doesn't go away and the virus remains "active". This allows the symptoms of an EBV infection to persist ...
What is the complication of Epstein-Barr virus?
More serious complications may include anemia, nerve damage, liver failure, and/or interstitial pneumonia. Symptoms may be constant or come and go, and tend to get worse over time. CAEBV occurs when the virus remains ‘active’ and the symptoms of an EBV infection do not go away. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and blood tests that show EBV DNA remaining at high levels for at least 3 months. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. The most well-documented, effective treatment for CAEBV is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. [1] [2] [3]
What are the health problems associated with Epstein-Barr?
Liver failure . Pneumonia . About 95% of people become infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sometime in their life and most never have any health problems. [1] . Some people with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis or other illnesses, and will recover with no other problems.
How to find a doctor for a syphilis?
You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.
