CLIA EBV VCA IgM

• Detection of IgM antibodies to the VCA antigen of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
• Aid to diagnose infectious mononucleosis
• Aid to differentiate various stages of infection
• Intended for human serum and plasma
• Recombinant antigens with highly specific immunodominant epitopes of EBV VCA used

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the Herpetoviridae family (HHV4). It spreads mainly through air-borne transmission or direct contact; the incubation period is 1-2 month. EBV is the etiologic agent of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and it is also related to Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Infection with EBV usually occurs early in life. Some people develop typical symptoms of IM, like fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. EBV persists latently in the organism for the rest of the individual’s life and can be reactivated.

Determination of specific IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against EBV antigens (VCA, EBNA-1, EA-D) is a powerful tool for the diagnosis and determination of stage of EBV infection.

Anti-VCA IgG antibodies are anamnestic and persist in infected individuals for their entire life; its rise indicates reinfection or reactivation. Determination of IgG antibodies avidity enables differentiation between a primary and past infection or reactivation. IgM and IgA antibody responses are typical for active infection.

Anti-EBNA-1 IgM antibodies are detected during the acute phase of primary infection, while IgG antibody response is delayed. Absence of IgG anti-EBNA with concomitant presence of IgG and IgM anti-VCA is a diagnostic marker of IM.

Anti-EA-D IgM and IgG antibodies to EA-D antigen are additional markers of primary EBV infection. High titres of IgG anti-EA-D are typically present in late acute and convalescent phases of IM.