Questions about the Epstein-Barr test.

I suspect I have a reactivation of this virus, and read that four tests need to be done to get a clear picture about this, including the values (number, not just positive / negative):

Is it possible to do this Early Antigen test as well? And what does a BLOT or PCR test for Epstein-Barr involve, which are listed under information?

A: These are all the tests we can perform:

		Epstein Barr-(VCA)-IgG	serum	€ 30
		Epstein Barr-(VCA)-IgM	serum	€ 30
		Epstein Barr nucl. antigen (EBNA)-IgG	serum	€ 30
		Epstein Barr virus (blot)	serum	€ 69
		Epstein Barr virus DNA (PCR)	EDTA blood	€ 169

Pfeiffer's disease is a viral hepatitis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Question 1 how early can you see EBV in the blood?

The IgM antibodies are also early antibodies and usually not detectable after 10 weeks.

The standard serological determinations consist of IgM and IgG against the virus capsid antigen (= VCA), and antibodies against the core antigen of EBV (= EBNA). These serological tests can be used to distinguish between an acute EBV infection (IgM and IgG VCA positive, Ig EBNA negative) and an acquired infection (IgM VCA negative, IgG VCA positive, Ig EBNA positive). In principle, IgG VCA and Ig EBNA remain detectable for life. A small part of the people (5-10%) is not able to make antibodies against EBNA; this will remain negative despite the previously acquired infection.

Some laboratories also determine antibodies against the "early antigen ( EA)" of EBV. Antibodies to EBV-EA are generally detectable several weeks after infection, and may remain detectable for several months after infection. Blood value test measures only Epstein Barr-(VCA)-IgM for early detection.

If the sore throat, enlarged neck glands and fatigue last longer than 7 to 10 days, you may have Pfeiffer. The IgM antigen can then show this after a week, so we do not see the added value of the early antigen test.

Question 2: What does a BLOT or PCR test for Epstein-Barr mean, which are listed under information?

A blot te is a more expensive accurate test that is often used as a confirmatory test.

A PCR is is a test to show if the Epstein Barr Virus is actually present in your body.

So the direct evidence that you are still infected, not just that antibodies to ebv have been made.

Direct diagnosis for EBV has added value especially when reactivation of a latent infection is suspected in people with immune disorders. Reactivation of EBV is associated with the development of lymphomas, among other things. Using molecular techniques (PCR) EBV can be detected in blood.

https://www.bloodtesting.nl/pfeiffer.html

https://www.bloodtesting.nl/pfeiffer-ebv-pcr-test.html