Eurofins Biomnis code

EBVM

Synonyms

• EBV
• IMN
• Infectious mononucleosis
• VCA - IgM serology

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus with a tropism for B-lymphocytes. It is transmitted in saliva and infection is very widespread in the population. Primary infection usually occurs during childhood and is either asymptomatic or the symptoms are non-specific. Infectious mononucleosis indicates late primary infection, usually observed in adolescents or young adults. After primary infection, the virus establishes latency and reactivation can be completely silent. In immunodeficient patients, EBV infection can cause severe clinical symptoms, including polyneuritis, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis and oral hairy leukoplasia. EBV is an oncogenic virus and is associated with certain neoplasias, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), Burkitt's lymphoma and, in immunodeficient patients (e.g. patients with AIDS or on immunosuppressant therapy following transplantation) lymphoblastic B-cell lymphoma. Isolation of the virus is difficult in practice but detection of viral DNA by PCR assay in the blood, CSF or liver biopsy material is indicative of active viral infection. Conventional serological analysis involves assaying for anti-VCA IgG and IgM antibodies and anti-EBNA IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies are present for the first three months and when they disappear, anti-EBNA IgG antibodies appear. Assaying anti-EA antibodies can be of use in active infections. High titers of anti-VCA and anti-EA IgA antibodies are associated with NPC. EBV virus may be involved in meningoencephalitis (immunodeficient subject) or some forms of myelitis.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Storage temperature (2-8°C) < 7 days during transport of specimen.

Methodology

EIA

Turnaround time

2 days