Epstein- Barr Virus (EBV) IgM:
Why Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) – IgM Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Infectious mononucleosis (In the age group of adolescents and adults it causes an illness called infectious mononucleosis) is caused by Epstein-Barr Virus. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV is also known as a human herpes-4 virus or gamma herpes virus) is a member of the herpes virus family that infect people around the world. Since it spreads through saliva (and its other modes of infectious spread is very rare for this disease to be spread through other bodily fluids), it is also named as the kissing disease. After exposure in the oral cavity, EBV infects the B-lymphocytes. After primary infection, EBV remains within the host (within B Cells) for life, and undergoes intermittent asymptomatic shedding from the oropharynx. In the case of Epstein-Barr viral infection, the antibodies are produced against EBV antigen (namely EA- Early Antigen, VCA-Viral Caspid Antigen, EBNA- EBV Nuclear Antigen), hence EBV test targets either EBV antigens or its antibodies. EBV – Antibody Test (IgM): IgM and IgG antibodies appear with the symptoms of the infection, however, IgM appears for a few weeks and disappear, while IgG remains for life. EBV Test is often used to diagnose people suffering from mononucleosis. This test is indicated in cases susceptible to infection (helps to evaluate susceptibility to EBV), Primary infection (new or recent), Past Infection (history of earlier exposure in the past) and most importantly, CMV is one of the TORCH Infections during pregnancies. Cytomegalovirus screening is of paramount significance in pregnant women (since its complications can affect pregnancy and may harm the fetus). Complications of EBV is that it can increase the risk of certain cancers, immune system disorder (heterophile antibodies – antibodies against poorly defined antigens, are produced against this infection and hence has high risk of autoantibodies i.e autoimmune diseases), and in chronic stages EBV become active (EBV reactivation) cause interstitial pneumonitis, pancytopenia and uveitis. EBV is also associated with Burkitt lymphoma, Certain B-Cell tumours, certain forms of Hodgkin lymphoma, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, certain gastric cancers etc. Additional tests include Mono-spot Test – Antibody test for Mononucleosis infection. False-positive results can be obtained (in the absence of infection) for EBV; if the patient had previous encounters with any herpes virus subtypes or Toxoplasma gondi. Classical signs and symptoms of infectious Mononucleosis is a - TRIAD (Three Striking Features) – 1. Fever, 2. Pharyngitis and 3. Adenopathy. While other symptoms of EBV include mild to moderate illness, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue, stiff neck, airway obstruction, splenic rupture, enlargement of the spleen, neurological symptom etc. Other tests include CBC, ESR, CRP, D-dimer etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RTDIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
