Epstein barr igg negative. Laboratory tests in the diagnosis of EBV infection. Laboratory indicators for EBV

The disease, popularly called “kissing disease,” has nothing to do with sexually transmitted infections. The virus, which is carried by 90% of the planet's inhabitants, is considered poorly understood. It is only now that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has gained some “notoriety.” Most adults are immune to EBV because they had it as a child or teenager. 9 out of 10 adults who have contact with a child have the potential to infect him or her.

What is Epstein-Barr virus

EBV or EBV infection is herpes type 4, belongs to the herpesvirus family, causes infectious mononucleosis. It was named in honor of the virologists who discovered it in 1964. It is important to know how the pathogen is transmitted in order to follow safety measures. The route of infection is airborne, the source of infection is humans, the virus is transmitted through very close contact, often through kissing. Epstein-Barr virus DNA is found in saliva in laboratory tests.

Why is this pathogen dangerous? Penetrating into the lymphoid tissue, it affects the lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and liver. The risk group for infection is children over one year old. In children under three years of age, the disease is often asymptomatic, and the diseases caused by the virus become more active during school and adolescence. There are very few cases of infection in people over 35 years of age. In 25% of pathogen carriers, infection particles are found in the saliva constantly, throughout their lives.

EBV causes the following diseases:

infectious mononucleosis;
lymphogranulomatosis;
herpes;
multiple sclerosis;
tumors of the salivary glands and gastrointestinal tract;
lymphomas;
systemic hepatitis.

In rare cases, chronic mononucleosis is observed, a dangerous pathology with serious complications. Epstein-Barr virus and pregnancy are a separate topic. A viral infection in pregnant women is sometimes asymptomatic or may manifest only slightly; it is mistaken for the flu. If a woman’s immunity is weakened, the whole picture of infectious mononucleosis is observed. EBV is transmitted to the fetus and affects the course of pregnancy. The born child may suffer from damage to the nervous system, visual organs, and have other deviations from the norm.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of EBV are associated with infectious mononucleosis, referred to as EBV. The incubation period of the disease is from 2 days to 2 months. At the onset of the disease, the patient complains of fatigue, malaise, and a sore throat. At this time the temperature is normal, but after a few days it rises sharply to 40 °C. Symptoms appear:

enlarged lymph nodes in the neck up to 0.5-2 cm in diameter;
the tonsils swell and a purulent coating forms on them;
breathing through the nose is impaired;
the spleen (sometimes the liver) enlarges.

In children

Epstein-Barr virus in a child is often accompanied by a rash that lasts up to 10 days and gets worse from taking antibiotics. Rashes with infectious mononucleosis have different types:

spots;
dots;
papules;
roseola.

In adults

It is not easy to recognize the virus in an adult; the disease is not typical for adults; such patients are rarely sent for analysis. Often in adults the disease occurs latently, the temperature remains at 37.5 °C, general malaise and long-term exhaustion are observed. EBV is closely associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and is one of the signs of infection.

What does a blood test for the virus tell you?

EBV is detected in the body in several ways; doctors prescribe:

a general blood test that detects atypical mononuclear cells;
biochemical analysis;
serological studies.

Specific diagnostic methods are PCR and ELISA tests. PCR detects viral DNA in biological fluids of the body, ELISA detects antibodies to its antigens. Antigen is a substance that is foreign to the body, such as viruses. For each of these hostile molecules, our immune system produces an antibody that recognizes a specific antigen and destroys it.

Antibody determination

A positive test for antibodies to infectious mononucleosis antigens means that the body is fighting the infection. Antibodies of the IgG and IgM classes and immunoglobulin proteins are produced against EBV. The virus has 3 main types of antigens that are recognized by our immune system:

VCA – capsid;
EBNA – nuclear or nuclear;
EA – early antigen.

To capsid antigen

IgM antibodies to the viral capsid protein, VCA, appear first. Their detection indicates an early stage of the disease; these immunoglobulins are characteristic of acute infection. IgM disappears within 4-6 weeks from the onset of the primary infection. If the disease is reactivated, antibodies appear again. IgM is replaced by other antibodies to VCA, IgG, they persist for life.

To nuclear antigen

Antibodies to nuclear antigen are not detected at the acute stage. If the analysis identifies them, then the disease lasts for at least 6-8 weeks. The EBNA antigen is produced when the viral genome invades the nucleus of a body cell, hence its name. An antibody test not only confirms the infection caused by the virus, but also determines its stage.

How to treat Epstein-Barr virus

There are no specific medications to treat this infection. If you have a strong immune system, the disease passes naturally. EBV is often treated like the flu, symptomatically: antipyretic, antiviral. If the disease is acute, corticosteroids are prescribed to cure the patient. Children with EBV are prescribed:

"Acyclovir";

Candles "Viferon";

“Arbidol”, “Cycloferon” (adult patients also take them).

Human immunoglobulin is used in the complex of therapeutic agents. If the illness is mild, there is no need to go to the hospital. During periods of rising temperatures, it is recommended:

compliance with bed rest;
warm drink rich in vitamins;
gargling with antiseptics, nasal instillation with vasoconstrictor drugs;
reducing temperature with medications;
taking vitamins and antihistamines;
a diet that excludes junk food.

Treatment of Epstein-Barr virus in adults is the same as in children, the only differences are in the dosage of medications. Antibiotics are used if a secondary bacterial infection occurs or complications develop. Folk remedies against infections caused by EBV also have a positive effect. Help to get rid of the symptoms of the disease and weaken the virus:

decoctions of medicinal herbs and roots: chamomile, coltsfoot, ginseng, mint;
echinacea: 30 drops 3 times a day orally or apply compresses to abscesses;
flaxseed oil (take orally);
inhalations with sage, eucalyptus.

Anyone who treats a virus with folk remedies must take into account that the body needs additional strengthening. If pharmacy vitamin complexes are not suitable for you, include freshly squeezed juices in your diet: vegetable, fruit. Enrich your diet with fatty acids; salmon and trout contain a lot of them. After illness, it is important to eat a balanced diet and avoid mental tension and stress.

Video: Komarovsky about the symptoms and treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus

It is almost impossible to avoid contact with EBV carriers, and disease prevention involves strengthening the immune system. An adult has a 95% chance that he has already had infectious mononucleosis. Is it possible to get it again, and how can you protect your child from this infection as much as possible? Famous pediatrician Evgeniy Komarovsky talks in detail about infection, symptoms and treatment of the virus.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or herpes virus type 4, is a DNA-containing lymphoproliferative virus of the Herpesviridae subfamily. Gammaherpesvirinae sort of Lymphocriptoviruses. Infection caused by EBV is an anthroponotic infectious disease. EBV is tropic for B-lymphocytes, and in some cases, B-lymphocytes after infection are transformed into blasts and continue to proliferate for up to 22 days; in other cases, EBV infects B-lymphocytes without disrupting proliferation with the inclusion of DNA in the form of a plasmid transmitted through a series of generations of these cells. The virus is capable of infecting epithelial cells of the oropharynx and nasopharynx, poorly differentiated epithelial cells of the salivary glands and thymus, and infecting peripheral blood monocytes. Its genome is also found in T-lymphocytes with the ability of cells to express early and membrane antigens. The difference between EBV and other herpes viruses is its ability to cause not cytolysis, but the proliferation of affected B-lymphocyte cells. In this case, a latent infection is formed and the EBV genome persists for life in some cells of the macroorganism; the virus acquires an infectious nature during periods of reactivation.

The source of infection is a sick person or carrier. Routes of transmission: airborne, sexual, parenteral, transplacental. Factors of transmission of the virus are saliva, blood, sperm, vaginal secretions, donor organs and tissues, household items, toys contaminated with infected saliva. Within 2 hours after a person is infected with this virus, the synthesis of viral proteins begins, after 8 hours its maximum amount accumulates, and after 10 hours the first virions with infectious properties appear. The virus is detected in saliva and oropharyngeal washings of healthy individuals in 15–25% of cases. The frequency of virus isolation increases sharply with disorders in the immune system.

The population's susceptibility to EBV is high. Along with the known role of EBV as a causative agent of infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, its contribution to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome is noted. According to a number of authors, EBV can lead to intrauterine infection of the fetus with adverse pregnancy outcomes and affect the health of newborns and young children.

In most cases, acute EBV infection in childhood is asymptomatic, while in adolescents and young adults (usually up to 20-25 years of age), EBV infection in 25–70% of cases leads to the development of infectious mononucleosis. The peak incidence of infectious mononucleosis occurs between 14 and 18 years of age, and antibodies to EBV are detected in most adults. Complications of mononucleosis are rare, but the development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, splenic rupture, hepatitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, damage to the nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis, damage to cranial nerves, myelitis, polyradiculitis, polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome) is possible. Clinical manifestations of damage to the nervous system occur in 0.5–7.5% of cases; In 25% of patients with infectious mononucleosis, pathological deviations in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid are detected.

The origin of hairy leukoplakia is closely related to high level EBV virus replication in tongue epithelial cells. The presence of hairy leukoplakia directly indicates HIV infection (in 98% of people with this lesion, antibodies to HIV are detected), as well as its progression.

Half of all HIV-related non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are associated with EBV. The incidence of primary brain lymphoma has increased significantly over the past 10 years; This pathology affects up to 10% of patients with HIV infection with severe immunosuppression (the number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes is less than 100 cells/μl). CNS lymphoma is the second most common cause of focal brain lesions after toxoplasmosis in adult patients in the late stages of HIV infection.

Confirmation of the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis;
mononucleosis-like syndrome in persons with weakened immunity (HIV, chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms, immunosuppressive therapy for internal organ transplantation, etc.);
lymphadenopathy (with a predominant increase in the occipital, posterior cervical and submandibular lymph nodes);
recurrent inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx;
preventive screening studies;
skin rash (mononucleosis-like rash);
hepatitis of unknown etiology;
hepatosplenomegaly;
gastrointestinal pathology that is difficult to respond to standard therapy;
presence of a burdened obstetric history (perinatal losses, birth of a child with congenital malformations);
Pregnant women or women planning pregnancy have a history of infectious mononucleosis;
children with symptoms of congenital infection, developmental defects, or born to women at risk for intrauterine transmission of EBV;
patients (primarily newborns) with sepsis, hepatitis, meningoencephalitis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal lesions.

Differential diagnosis. Adenoviral infection, rubella, measles, CMV (mononucleosis-like form), acute HIV infection (mononucleosis-like syndrome), pseudotuberculosis (mononucleosis-like syndrome); tonsillitis, oropharyngeal diphtheria, lymphogranulomatosis.

Material for research

Blood, blood plasma, lymphocytes or leukocytes, sputum, urine, saliva, CSF, throat scrapings, nasopharyngeal washings - DNA detection, determination of hypertension;
blood serum - determination of AT.

Etiological laboratory diagnostics includes detection of DNA and antigens of the pathogen, determination of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus antigens in the blood.

Comparative characteristics of laboratory diagnostic methods. Determination of virus-specific antibodies is a common method for diagnosing EBV. Several groups of EBV antigens have been identified, the identification of antibodies to which allows not only to determine the presence of infection, but also to differentiate the stages of the disease, predict its development and monitor the effectiveness of treatment measures. In the early phase of the lytic cycle, the virus produces an early antigen (EBV-EA), then a capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) appears simultaneously with the viral genome. During the latent cycle, nuclear Ag (EBV-NA), latent membrane proteins, and small RNA molecules are synthesized. Determination of IgM and IgG antibodies to individual proteins makes it possible to more accurately determine the phase of the infection, taking into account the high frequency of virus persistence.

Using the immunoblot method to determine IgM and IgG class antibodies to individual proteins gives additional information about the phase of the infection. Detection of the VCA 125 protein indicates the early phase of the infection. During the height of the infection and at the stage of completion of the acute process, VCA 19 appears. The late phase of the infection is indicated by the detection of a highly specific marker VCA 22, which is detected alone or together with EBNA-1 (p79). The latter protein is present for a long time in people who have had an infection and convincingly indicates a previous infection. There is a frequent presence of IgM-p45 and IgM-p79 during an active process, IgM-p43 and IgG-p27 correlate with the severity of the infection, and the detection of IgM-p65, IgM-p33 correlates with the presence of hepato- and splenomegaly. To detect EBV antigens in various biomaterial samples, the RIF and RNIF methods can be used. The use of this diagnostic ensures 100% detection of a specific EBV marker in lymphocytes, however, in the chronic course of the disease, negative results are possible. The use of immunocytochemistry or immunohistochemistry to detect EBV antigens has found application in the diagnosis of EBV-associated tumors.

DNA detection when diagnosing EBV can be carried out in a qualitative or quantitative format. EBV DNA is determined in various biological materials: scrapings from mucous membranes, plasma, CSF, etc. Highest value has the detection of DNA (especially the determination of viral load) in blood plasma or in tissue scrapings taken from the nasopharyngeal ring in the early period of the disease. Quantitative determination of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the blood makes it possible to distinguish carriage (low concentration of the virus) from manifestations of an infectious process with active reproduction of EBV.

Indications for the use of various laboratory tests. For congenital infection and reactivation of persistent infection, the method of choice is the detection of EBV DNA in blood plasma and CSF. AT IgM is rarely detected. It is recommended to determine IgA antibodies to certain “early” Ags: EA-Rp93, EA-Dp45, EA-Dp43; capsid AG (CA): p125 (early phase marker), p65, p42, p41, p40, p33; p22 is a late phase marker.

AT-EBV NA IgG appears 3–6 weeks after the onset of the disease and persists throughout a person’s life. The determination of these antibodies has retrospective significance; its use for examining pregnant women and newborns is not justified.

Interpretation of results. The presence of EBV DNA in blood plasma and CSF confirms the active course of the infection. If IgM antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus are detected in the blood, a conclusion can be made about the acute nature of the infection; if low-avidity, “early” IgG antibodies are detected, a conclusion can be made about the reactivation of the virus.

A single negative result of detecting EBV DNA in saliva and blood cells does not exclude the replication of the virus in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, skin, lymph nodes, etc., which justifies the determination of IgM and IgA antibodies, the presence of which indicates an active infection.

To various antigens of the Epstein-Barr virus, which makes it possible to identify the type of infectious process (chronic, acute, asymptomatic carriage). The PCR method allows you to detect the DNA of the virus. Therefore, the PCR method is used to accurately understand whether there is a virus in the human body or not. PCR analysis is useful for identifying the virus in children whose immune systems are immature and therefore do not have antibodies in their blood. In addition, PCR analysis allows you to accurately determine the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the body if the results of the ELISA method are questionable.

So, let's look at how to decipher tests for the Epstein-Barr virus and what the different results mean.

Explanation of PCR analysis

The result of this analysis is two possible options - positive and negative. A positive PCR result means that the person has the Epstein-Barr virus in the body. However, you should not be afraid of this result, since it does not necessarily mean the presence of an acute or chronic infection caused by the virus. The fact is that once it enters the body, the Epstein-Barr virus, like other herpes viruses, remains in it for the rest of its life, and it is impossible to remove it. However, in most cases, a person is simply an asymptomatic carrier, and the virus does not cause any disease. Therefore, a positive PCR test only means that the person has encountered this virus and it has entered his body.

A negative PCR test result means that the Epstein-Barr virus has never entered the human body.

Interpretation of ELISA tests

Using the ELISA method, the presence of the following types of virus antigens is determined:

IgG to capsid antigen (VCA);

IgM to capsid antigen (VCA);

IgG to early antigens (EA);

IgG to nuclear antigens (EBNA).

For each antigen, the ELISA result can be positive, negative or equivocal. If the result is doubtful, it is recommended to retake the test in a week. If the result is positive, this indicates the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the body. In addition, depending on which antigens are detected as a result of ELISA, asymptomatic carriage, chronic infection or exacerbation can be identified. If the ELISA result is negative, this indicates that this type of antigen has not been identified. Negative results for some antigens also make it possible to judge the type of virus carriage (chronic infection, asymptomatic course or exacerbation). Let's look at when test results for various antigens are considered positive, negative, or equivocal. We will also consider the clinical significance of a positive or negative ELISA result for each Epstein-Barr virus antigen.

IgG antibodies to VCA capsid antigen (anti-IgG-VCA):

Decoding the analysis. A negative result may indicate that the person has never been infected with Epstein-Barr virus. However, a negative result may indicate that the virus infection occurred less than 2 weeks ago. A positive result means that a person is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, but does not allow us to assess the stage of infection (acute phase, recovery process, or past infection). A positive test result will be obtained in case of simple asymptomatic carriage, and in case of chronic infection, and in case of recovery, and in case of reactivation of the virus.

IgM antibodies to VCA capsid antigen (anti-IgM-VCA):

Less than 0.8 - negative result;

More than 1.1 - positive result;

0.9–1.0 is a questionable result.

Decoding the analysis. A negative result indicates no acute infection or exacerbation. A positive result indicates recent infection (less than 3 months ago) or reactivation of the virus in people who are immunocompromised. Typically, anti-IgM-VCA remains in the blood for 3 to 12 months after primary infection. In some cases, small amounts of anti-IgM VCA indicate chronic active infection. If the determination of anti-IgM-VCA is carried out over time, then an increase in the concentration of antibodies indicates the transition of the infection to the acute stage, and a decrease in the concentration, on the contrary, indicates recovery.

IgG antibodies to early EA antigens (anti-IgG-EA):

Less than 0.8 - negative result;

More than 1.1 - positive result;

0.9–1.0 is a questionable result.

Decoding the analysis. A negative result indicates that the person does not have a chronic infection. A positive result for anti-IgG-EA indicates that a person has a chronic infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. If the test result is positive, but the anti-IgG-NA test is negative, then we are talking about the first infection with the Epstein-Barr virus in life.

IgG antibodies to nuclear antigen EBNA (anti-IgG-NA):

Less than 0.8 - negative result;

More than 1.1 - positive result;

0.9–1.0 is a questionable result.

Decoding the analysis. A positive test result means that a person was once infected with the virus and has developed immunity against it. However, a positive result does not mean chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection. A negative test result indicates that the person has never been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus.

To accurately decipher the test for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus, you can use the table below, in which a positive result is indicated by a “+” sign, and a negative result by a “-” sign:

Stage of infection	anti-IgM-VCA	anti-IgG-VCA	anti-IgG-EA	anti-IgG-NA
Absence of virus in the body	-	-	-	-
Early stage of primary infection	+	-	-	-
Acute stage of primary infection	++	++++	++	-
Infection suffered less than six months ago	+	++++	++	-
Previous infection (past infection)	-	+++	-/+	+
Chronic infection	-/+	++++	+++	-/+
Reactivation of chronic infection (exacerbation)	-/+	++++	+++	-/+
Tumors caused by VEBI	-/+	++++	+++	-/+

But if a lot has been said and written about influenza and chickenpox, and even with measles everything is more or less clear to mothers, then there are viruses in this world, the very names of which fill parents with sacred horror.

One of these little-studied and very common is the Epstein-Barr virus. The famous pediatrician and TV presenter Evgeniy Komarovsky is often asked about him.

What is it

EBV - Epstein Barr virus. One of the most common viruses on the planet. It was first found in tumor samples and described in 1964 by English professor Michael Epstein and his assistant Yvonne Barr. This is the fourth type of herpes virus.

According to medical statistics, traces of past infection are found in the blood tests of half of children aged 5-6 years and in 97% of adults, and they themselves often do not even know about it, because in most people EBV proceeds unnoticed, without symptoms.

A child can become infected in different ways. Most often, EBV is released through biological fluids, usually through saliva. For this reason, infectious mononucleosis, caused by a virus, is called the “kissing disease.”

Infection can occur during transfusion of blood and its components, through things and toys shared with the patient, and the virus is transmitted from an infected mother through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy. EBV spreads easily through the air and from donor to recipient during bone marrow transplantation.

At risk are children under one year of age who actively explore the world around them through their mouths, trying to taste absolutely every object and thing they can get their hands on. Another “problem” age is children from 3 to 6 years old who regularly attend kindergarten and have numerous contacts.

The incubation period is from 1 to 2 months, after which children develop vivid symptoms characteristic of many viral infections.

However, the virus itself with a complex name is not so scary as the fact that its consequences are completely unpredictable. It may go completely unnoticed in one child, while in another it can cause the development of serious conditions and even cancer.

Komarovsky about VEB

Evgeny Komarovsky urges parents not to create unnecessary hysteria around the Epstein-Barr virus. He believes that most children have already encountered this agent in early childhood, and their immunity has “remembered” it and is able to identify and resist it.

Now let's listen to Dr. Komarovsky about infectious monoculosis.

The symptoms that allow one to suspect EBV in a child are quite vague:

Irritability, tearfulness, increased moodiness and frequent causeless fatigue.
Mild or more noticeable enlargement of lymph nodes. Most often - submandibular and behind-the-ear. If the infection is severe, it spreads throughout the body.
Lack of appetite, digestive problems.
Rash.
High temperature (up to 40.0).
Sore throat (as with sore throat and pharyngitis).
Heavy sweating.
Slight increase in the size of the liver and spleen. In a child, this may manifest itself as aching pain in the abdomen.
Yellowness of the skin. This symptom is extremely rare.

Komarovsky emphasizes that it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on complaints and the presence of certain symptoms alone, since the child’s condition will resemble a sore throat, enterovirus, and lymphogranulomatosis.

To confirm or refute the Epstein-Barr virus, laboratory diagnostics of the patient’s blood samples is required, including biochemical analysis, serological testing, PCR, and it is also advisable to do an immunogram and conduct an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs - liver and spleen.

Komarovsky often compares EBV to chickenpox. Both diseases are more easily tolerated at an early age; the younger the person, the simpler the disease and the fewer consequences. The older the primary infection occurs, the greater the chances of severe complications.

Treatment according to Komarovsky

Evgeniy Olegovich warns that treatment with penicillin antibiotics for one of the diseases associated with EBV, infectious mononucleosis, can cause serious complications. Usually, such a prescription is erroneous when the doctor mistakes mononucleosis for an ordinary bacterial sore throat. In this case, exanthema may develop.

Ordinary children who do not suffer from HIV and other severe disorders of the immune system, according to Evgeniy Komarovsky, do not need any antiviral treatment for mononucleosis caused by EBV, and even more so they do not urgently need to be given immunostimulants. The famous pediatrician is confident that the child’s body is able to cope with this threat on its own.

If the course of the disease is severe, which, according to Komarovsky, is very rare, treatment in a hospital may be required. There, most likely, antiherpetic drugs will be used (quite justifiably).

In all other cases, symptomatic treatment is sufficient. This includes antipyretics (if the temperature is above 38.5-39.0), drugs that relieve sore throats (lozenges, antiseptics, gargles), ointments, gels and external sprays with antiseptics for severe skin rashes.

Epstein barra virus igg positive in child

The test is used to diagnose a virus infection

Epstein-Barr (infectious mononucleosis)

What is Epstein-Barr virus and how to diagnose it correctly

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is one of the viruses of the herpes virus family (herpes virus type 4). Most often, EBV is the etiological agent of the disease known as infectious mononucleosis (synonyms: Filatov's disease, glandular fever, monocytic tonsillitis, Pfeiffer's disease, etc.) - a common systemic lymphoproliferative disease. In young children, Epstein-Barr virus infection is often asymptomatic.

The entry gate for infectious mononucleosis is the mucosa

lining of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. Penetrating into the body through the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, the virus causes characteristic changes: damage to the tonsils, mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, which is clinically manifested by difficulty in nasal breathing, swelling of the pharynx. This creates favorable conditions for the addition of secondary microbial flora and the occurrence of more severe sore throat.

However, the main target cells for EBV are B lymphocytes. The virus penetrates these cells of the immune system, causing their proliferation. That is why, with acute EBV infection, enlarged tonsils, systemic lymphopathy and, in severe cases, splenomegaly are observed.

If factors cellular immunity control the replication of the Epstein-Barr virus in the body, the clinical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis gradually disappear, and lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly decrease. In complicated cases, B lymphocytes transform (acquire the ability to endlessly divide) and in the absence of an adequate cellular immune response, this process can evolve to the point of a tumor process (for example, X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome, Burkitt's lymphoma, etc.).

Like other herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus can persist as a latent infection (its DNA is contained in the nucleus of a small number of B lymphocytes).

Episodic asymptomatic reactivation of infection is common, and approximately 20% of healthy young adults shed Epstein–Barr virus in their saliva.

Antibody test for Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus (VEB) belongs to the herpes virus family 4 and has antigens that determine its infectious properties. A blood test for the presence of Epstein-Barr viruses in the human body consists of detecting antibodies (AT) to viral antigens (AG) using serological methods.

Test for EBV infection

Infectious mononucleosis is contracted in childhood, and 9 out of 10 adults have developed stable immunity to this disease. But, like other herpes viruses, EBV infection can exist in the body for a long time, and the person himself is a virus carrier.

The presence of infection in the human body is confirmed or refuted using:

serological tests;
molecular diagnostics - PCR method.

These precise tests make it possible not only to assess what changes have occurred in the blood formula, but to accurately determine the amount and types of antibodies that have been formed to fight infection in the body.

By performing and interpreting a blood serum test for antibodies against the Ag of the Epstein-Barr virus, active, chronic, and latent forms of the disease infectious mononucleosis are identified.

Diagnostic methods

The main methods for diagnosing infectious mononucleosis include detecting the presence of antibodies to viral antigens. Research is carried out using serological tests. Serology is the science of the properties of blood serum.

The processes that occur in the blood serum are studied by immunology, and the main interactions occur between protein molecules - the body's own AT proteins, which are produced by B lymphocytes, and foreign antigen proteins. In the case of infectious mononucleosis, viral proteins act as antigens.

An additional method to confirm EBV infection is a method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which will be discussed below.

When diagnosing, data from studies on the presence of IgA antibodies to virus antigens are also used. This method is used to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer.

Test results may be:

positive, which means the stage of the disease in acute, chronic, latent form or the process of recovery;
negative, which may mean the absence of infection, the very initial (prodromal) stage, an inactive form of infection;
doubtful - in this case, the analysis is repeated after 2 weeks.

Heterophilic antibodies

The appearance of a viral infection in the blood Epstein Barr and triggers the proliferation of B-lymphocytes and the production of a large number of IgM immunoglobulins, unusual in their structure and composition.

Such random, unusual IgM, which virus-infected B lymphocytes actively produce into the blood, are called heterophilic Paul-Bunnel Abs. Heterophilic proteins are detected using the agglutination method with erythrocytes of sheep, horses, and bulls after special treatment.

Heterophilic IgM is detected in the blood up to 6 months from the date of infection. This test is considered specific to adults. Its reliability in this age category is 98-99%.

But in children, especially under the age of 2 years, the specificity of tests for the presence of Epstein Barr viruses in the body is only 30%. With age, the specificity of the analysis increases, but even in this case, the test for heterophilic IgM can be positive in children and with other viral infections.

Similar changes in the blood serum, accompanied by the appearance of heterophilic IgM, occur in the blood during cytomegalovirus infection, acute respiratory infections, chickenpox, measles, and toxoplasmosis.

The results of the test for heterophile IgM antibodies can be:

false negative – in children under 4 years of age, as well as in the first 2 weeks from the onset of infectious mononucleosis;
false positive – for mumps, pancreatitis, hepatitis, lymphomas.

Serological studies

More exact way Diagnosis of infection with infectious mononucleosis is carried out by detecting antibodies to Epstein Barr viruses. Serological studies are carried out by isolating antibodies from blood serum, which belong to IgM immunoglobulins and IgG immunoglobulins.

Antibodies are formed in response to the presence of Epstein-Barr virus antigens in the blood serum:

early antigen - EA (early antigen), contains components that are designated D and R;
membrane antigen – MA (membrane antigen);
nuclear (nuclear) antigen – EBNA (Epstein-Barr nucleic antigen);
capsid antigen – VCA (virus capsid antigen).

In almost all patients in the acute phase of the disease, the presence of IgG antibodies to capsid antigen is observed. IgG antibodies are distinguished by the fact that they persist for life.

IgM antibodies are detected in all patients with infectious mononucleosis on average 14 days after infection, but often disappear without a trace after 2-3 months.

Methods for detecting antibodies to EBV are:

NIF - indirect fluorescence method - IgG, IgM antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus produced to EA and VCA are detected;
anti-complement fluorescence - finds antibodies that are produced to EBV infection in response to the presence of antigens EBNA, EA, VCA;
ELISA – enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Early antigen

The early EA antigen, which first appears after infection, is also called diffuse, since it is found in both the nuclei and the cytoplasm of infected B lymphocytes. Antigens that are found only in the cytoplasm of B lymphocytes are called cytoplasmic.

Antibodies to EA are produced at the initial stages of infection. Antibodies to the D component may appear during the incubation period and never be detected subsequently.

Antibodies to the R-component of EA begin to appear 21 days after the onset of symptoms of infection and remain in the body for a year. These antibodies are detected in Burkitt's lymphoma, autoimmune diseases provoked by EBV, and immunodeficiency.

After the patient recovers from infectious mononucleosis, the EBV viral infection persists in B lymphocytes. This creates a risk of reactivation of Epstein-Barr viruses. In this case, an analysis is performed for the presence of antibodies to diffuse early hypertension.

Capsid antigen

An important characteristic confirming infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is the detection of IgG antibodies to the capsid antigen.

Antibodies to capsid antigens of Epstein-Barr viruses (EBV) are found in the form of 2 main classes of immunoglobulins - anti-VCA IgG and IgM.

Antibodies against the capsid protein persist throughout life. Sometimes they can be detected in the early stages, but more often the highest concentration of antibodies to the capsid antigen VCA IgG, as well as early hypertension, is observed by 8 weeks from the moment of infection with Epstein Barr viruses.

A positive test, which is obtained when testing for IgG AT (antibodies) to the capsid proteins of the Epstein Barr virus, means that immunity has formed in the body, and this makes the person resistant to VEB infection in the future.

A positive test for the detection of IgG antibodies to the capsid antigen in high titers during infection with the Epstein Barr virus indicates a chronic infection.
A negative test for IgG capsid proteins does not exclude the acute phase of the disease if the test was performed immediately after infection.

Before symptoms of infection appear in the blood, IgM antibodies to the capsid antigen appear. Deciphering the fact of the presence of IgM antibodies in blood serum in tests for Epstein Barr viruses can be the very beginning of infectious mononucleosis or its acute phase.

A high concentration of IgM antibodies in the blood to the capsid antigenic protein is detected in the first 6 weeks after infection. Low antibody titers may indicate recent infection.

Nuclear antigen

Antibodies to the viral nuclear antigen appear late in the course of infection. A positive test for the presence of IgG antibodies against the nuclear antigen (nuclear antigen) EBNA of the Epstein Barr virus indicates the stage of recovery.

The search for the presence of IgG antibodies, which are produced against the NA antigen (nuclear antigenic protein) of the Epstein Barr virus, can give a positive result for many years after the illness.

A positive test for IgG antibodies to nuclear antigen, but a negative result for the presence of IgM antibodies to the capsid antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus, means that there is a focus of infectious inflammation in the body.

Serological tests in blood serum for the presence of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus. Abbreviation: IM – infectious mononucleosis, CN – nasopharyngeal carcinoma, LB – Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr virus: what does positive IgG mean?

Using the serological method, antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus can be determined. This diagnostic method allows us to judge the stage of the disease and the reaction of the immune system. The appearance of different classes of antibodies occurs in a certain sequence, which has long been studied.

Antigenic structure of the virus

After the virus enters the body, immune cells begin to secrete antibodies. They are specific proteins that react with a specific antigen. An antigen is a protein, polysaccharide or nucleic acid that belongs to another organism and is perceived as a foreign substance. Antibodies are secreted by lymphocytes. They attach to the antigen and block it. This is how the immune response develops.

Each pathogen has its own antigenic structure. In the Epstein-Barr virus it is represented by the following substances:

S-antigen is specific for this group of microorganisms; these are proteins of the nucleocapsid - the nuclear envelope of the virus.
V - specific for a certain type of microorganisms, formed by glycoproteins of the outer shell. These two antigens are characteristic of the herpesvirus family.
Early antigen (EA).
Membrane (MA) - detected on the surface of an infected cell.
Complement binding nuclear antigen (EBNA).
Capsid antigen (VCA) is a late antigen.

Antibodies belonging to immunoglobulins of classes M and G are detected against the nuclear and capsid antigens of the virus.

Order of antibody formation

Immunoglobulins are specific proteins of lymphocytes. After the virus and its antigens appear in the blood, lymphocytes begin to produce Ig. The first to register are immunoglobulins belonging to the M class, which are synthesized towards the early and capsid antigen. Anti-VCA IgM can be detected before the onset of clinical symptoms and at the onset of the disease. High concentrations are recorded 1-6 weeks after the pathogen enters the blood, but from the 3rd week they gradually begin to decrease. They completely disappear in the blood no earlier than 1-6 months after recovery.

Immunoglobulins to the early antigen appear during the acute period and disappear quickly after recovery. High concentrations remain during exacerbation, as well as in patients with cancer, autoimmune processes and immunodeficiency states.

IgG is secreted to the capsid antigen and appears early - at 1-4 weeks of illness. The maximum value is reached by week 2 and remains for life at a lower concentration. In children under 7 years of age, they may not be detected after an illness. Persistent high titers of VCA IgG indicate chronic infection. If the test results are negative, this may indicate a lack of contact with the virus or that the blood was taken at an early stage, when antibodies had not yet been developed in the required quantity.

The test result cannot be the only basis for diagnosis. It is necessary to compare it with symptoms and other studies.

Determination of antibodies to capsid antigen

Antibodies to VCA Ig are determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay. To interpret the analysis, they rely on the value of 20.0 U/ml. If the amount of antibodies detected is less than this number, then the result is negative, equal to or more- positive. If the number of antibodies is not determined or indicates a negative result, then this is not always a lack of contact with the virus; in some cases, such a result indicates an acute phase of the disease. To exclude suspicions, after 10-14 you need to repeat the test and additionally test for IgM.

Nuclear antigen antibody test

The analysis is performed within 5 days. Chemiluminescent analysis is also used. The results are interpreted depending on the numbers obtained:

less than 5 U/ml - negative result;
from 5 to 20 U/ml - a questionable result;
more than 20 U/ml - positive result.

High concentrations of IgG against the Epstein-Barr virus indicate a positive result and an acute infection. A negative result with similar immunoglobulins M and G indicates the absence of the disease. An increase in IgG to nuclear antibodies during the acute infection phase is an indicator of recovery. An immunoglobulin concentration of 5-20 U/ml indicates that, most likely, there was contact with the pathogen in the past. A repeat study is carried out after 2 weeks.

Even “advanced” herpes can be cured at home. Just remember to drink once a day.

Indications for research and preparation for analysis

To conduct the study, the doctor determines the need for diagnostics. The indications are:

confirmation of the diagnosis of mononucleosis;
assessment of treatment effectiveness;
determining the stage of disease development;
in cancer patients to identify the cause of pathology associated with the Epstein-Barr virus.

To prepare for the test, you must come to the laboratory on an empty stomach. The last meal should have been no later than 20 o'clock in the evening. The day before the test, avoid alcohol, fatty foods, physical activity and stress.

Chylosis (high fat content in the blood), hemolysis of the blood sample (cell breakdown), and receiving radiation treatment and chemotherapy can distort the test result. A correctly performed analysis after appropriate preparation helps to compare clinical data with its result and not make a mistake with the diagnosis.

Questions

Question: What does Epstein-Barr virus igg positive mean?

What does the term “Epstein-Barr virus igg positive” mean?

To understand what the term “Epstein-Barr virus igg positive” means, you need to know what doctors and laboratory workers mean by it. For example, the combination “igg” is simply a shortened and somewhat perverted spelling of IgG. And the designation IgG is adopted for immunoglobulin type G. The human body produces only five types of antibodies, which are designated IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE. When they write IgG, it means that we are talking about antibodies of this type. These IgG antibodies are protein structures that are produced by immune system cells to destroy the virus.

IgG antibodies to VCA capsid antigen (anti-IgG-VCA);

IgG antibodies to early EA antigens (anti-IgG-EA);

IgG antibodies to nuclear antigen EBNA (anti-IgG-NA).

The result of determining any of the above types of IgG antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus can be positive or negative. But the meaning of a positive result is determined by which antibodies (anti-IgG-VCA, anti-IgG-EA or anti-IgG-NA) were detected in the human body.

Please tell me what the indicators mean: IgG antibodies to the nuclear antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus Anti-EBVNA-107.27 IgG antibodies to the capsid protein of the EBV virus VCA -42.39 IgG antibodies to the early antigen of the EBV-EA virus -0. These are the indicators of an adult.

This conclusion means that you have previously had an Epstein-Barr viral infection; at present you may be an asymptomatic carrier. We recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist in person.

Epstein-Barr virus

What is Epstein-Barr virus

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EBV causes the following diseases:

infectious mononucleosis;
lymphogranulomatosis;
herpes;
multiple sclerosis;
tumors of the salivary glands and gastrointestinal tract;
lymphomas;
systemic hepatitis.

Symptoms

enlarged lymph nodes in the neck up to 0.5-2 cm in diameter;
the tonsils swell and a purulent coating forms on them;
breathing through the nose is impaired;
the spleen (sometimes the liver) enlarges.

In children

Epstein-Barr virus in a child is often accompanied by a rash that lasts up to 10 days and gets worse from taking antibiotics. Rashes with infectious mononucleosis have different types:

In adults

What does a blood test for the virus tell you?

EBV is detected in the body in several ways; doctors prescribe:

a general blood test that detects atypical mononuclear cells;
biochemical analysis;
serological studies.

Antibody determination

VCA – capsid;
EBNA – nuclear or nuclear;
EA – early antigen.

To capsid antigen

IgM antibodies to the viral capsid protein, VCA, appear first. Their detection indicates an early stage of the disease; these immunoglobulins are characteristic of an acute infection. IgM disappears within 4-6 weeks from the onset of the primary infection. If the disease is reactivated, antibodies appear again. IgM is replaced by other antibodies to VCA, IgG, they persist for life.

To nuclear antigen

How to treat Epstein-Barr virus

“Arbidol”, “Cycloferon” (adult patients also take them).

Human immunoglobulin is used in the complex of therapeutic agents. If the illness is mild, there is no need to go to the hospital. During periods of rising temperatures, it is recommended:

compliance with bed rest;
warm drink rich in vitamins;
gargling with antiseptics, nasal instillation with vasoconstrictor drugs;
reducing temperature with medications;
taking vitamins and antihistamines;
a diet that excludes junk food.

decoctions of medicinal herbs and roots: chamomile, coltsfoot, ginseng, mint;
echinacea: 30 drops 3 times a day orally or apply compresses to abscesses;
flaxseed oil (take orally);
inhalations with sage, eucalyptus.

Video: Komarovsky about the symptoms and treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein barra virus in children, what is it?

Kids get sick often viral diseases, and some of them pose a serious threat to children's health. IN present moment Pediatricians around the world pay special attention to pathologies caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

When a child is initially infected, the symptoms of this infection may go unnoticed. The consequences of infection after a few months negatively affect all organs and systems of the body. What do parents need to know about the signs of this disease?

What is VEB

The Epstein-Barr virus is the causative agent of a number of human diseases and belongs to the group of herpes viruses (another name is the infectious agent of herpes type 4). Discovered in 1964 in Great Britain by scientists Michael Epstein and Yvonne Barr. It multiplies in the cells of the child’s immune system (lymphocytes) and causes their uncontrolled growth (cytomegalovirus causes an increase in the size of infected cells).

Associated with the following diseases:

Infectious mononullosis;
Burkitt's lymphoma;
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;
Other oncological pathologies (chemotherapeutic and surgical treatment).

The virus contains the following elements against which B-lymphocytes produce antibodies of the IgM and IgG classes (immunoglobulin M, G) in the bodies of children:

VCA – capsid antigen;
ENBA – nuclear antigen;
EA – early antigen.

When IgM and IgG (immunoglobulin M, G) against the above antigens (VCA, EA, ENBA) are detected in the child’s blood, if a serological analysis is performed, then an acute or chronic form of the disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus can be diagnosed.

How the virus is transmitted

The virus has several modes of transmission. Released into the environment with biological fluids of the body. Its highest concentration accumulates in the saliva of children, so a common pathology caused by it is infectious mononucleosis, otherwise called the “kissing disease.”

The pathogen spreads when:

Kisses on the lips;
Intimate contacts;
Blood transfusion;
Using common objects (dishes, toys) with which a sick baby or a virus carrier has come into contact (the pathogen is in his saliva and through it enters the outside world);
Use of non-sterile medical instruments for injections, surgical interventions, cosmetic procedures;
From mother to child through the placenta and during breastfeeding.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has similar transmission routes, and is especially dangerous for the unborn child if the baby becomes infected from a sick mother. Couples planning children must donate blood for EBV and CMV testing. If the test result is positive, treatment is recommended.

Risk group

Epidemiologists distinguish two risk groups among children:

One-year-old babies who actively contact others;
Preschoolers aged 2.5-5 years who regularly attend kindergarten.

Viral infection (EBV, not cytomegalovirus) spreads most quickly in small closed children's groups, which include groups in kindergartens.

Signs and symptoms

Let's look at the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis, which is a manifestation of a child's primary contact with the Epstein-Barr virus. Sometimes mononucleosis in children is caused by cytomegalovirus (differential serological analysis is always necessary).

The disease begins acutely and lasts from 3 to 4 weeks.

With mononucleosis (if it is caused by EBV and not cytomegalovirus), the following symptoms appear. It is discovered during direct examination of the child:

Increase in body temperature up to several degrees with severe intoxication syndrome - nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, tachycardia;
Enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body (especially in the neck - anterior and posterior cervical nodes);
Nasopharyngitis and tonsillitis with white-gray or yellowish plaques (due to damage to the tonsils and adenoids);
Difficulty nasal breathing in the absence of discharge from the nasal passages, puffiness of the face, nasal voice;
Enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly in children), abdominal pain, icterus of the sclera and skin;
Exanthema (rash of viral origin) in the form of spots, papules, vesicles with widespread localization.

During a microscopic examination (complete blood count), during an acute infection, large atypical lymphocytes are found among ordinary blood cells that are affected by the virus - mononuclear cells (cytomegalovirus sometimes gives this picture of the blood). They remain in the bloodstream for a month from the moment of infection.

The immune system of a sick child tries to cope with infected lymphocytes. There is an activation of T-helpers and T-suppressors, NK cells, which destroy mononuclear cells. Surviving B lymphocytes produce antibodies of the IgG and IgM classes (immunoglobulin M, G) against each of the viral antigens (VCA, EBNA, EA), due to which it becomes possible work cellular part of the immune system.

Infectious Mononucleosis (Epstein Barr Virus). Symptoms and Treatment Methods

For serological diagnosis of mononucleosis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used, which detects the Epstein-Barr virus.

What antibodies (AT) of the IgG and IgM types (immunoglobulin M, G) are diagnostic when performing an IF analysis?

Epstein-Barr virus igg positive

We are 1.5 years old. Our son, who is often sick, and his cough with snot have always been our faithful companions. We were tested for Epstein Barra virus. Of 4 indicators: 3 are negative and VCA IgG is highly avid. (I won’t understand this word exactly), generally positive. I don’t know when we’ll see an infectious disease specialist, but I’d like to at least know roughly what it means and how it’s treated. Girls, who's test for this virus showed the same? What did the doctors say, what did they treat, what was the result? Please write.

Girls, I honestly don’t understand these tests. I received from my son IgG Antibodies to the nuclear antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus (Anti-EBV NA, IgG) DAkkS, our result is 0.22 normal< 0.8 - отрицательный; 0.8 - 1.0 - сомнительный; >1.0 - positive IgM antibodies to the early antigen of the virus (anti-EBV-EA IgM(ZEBRA)DAkkS for result 26 is normal Negative result:<20 U/ml; сомни- тельныйU/ml; положительный >25 U/m i.e. our last indicator is positive and what does this mean, what should we do now?

Mommies, tell me, who knows. The situation is this - my daughter is 2 years 7 months old, two weeks ago she had follicular tonsillitis + otitis media, to exclude the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, they donated blood for them. Today we learned the results - igg and igm are negative for EBV, igg is positive for CMV and igm is negative. The pediatrician (who is also our infectious disease specialist) suggested that my daughter could have received antibodies from me. During pregnancy, I remember exactly that I had antibodies to CMV. He says that frequently ill children who are CMV carriers are prescribed groprinosin.

Tested Antibodies to cytomegavirus IgG 16.6 positive Antibodies to HSV types 1 and 2 IgG 25.6 positive Antibodies to the capsid antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus IgG 239 positive Antibodies to the core antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus 11.8 positive Antibodies to Toxoplasna gondil IgG 26 positively. I took all the tests before pregnancy (except for Toxoоlasna gondil), they were positive. (IgG) They sent me to an infectious disease specialist. She told me to retake everything for IgM. She didn’t ask me if I had taken these tests before pregnancy. If IGm is positive they will be treated.

I took tests, including for viruses, these are the results - Cytamegalovirus IgM negative, IgG 48.7 (if positive >6), Herpes - IgM negative, IgG 20.7 (if positive >1.1) and Epstein-Barr approximately the same thing - IgM is negative, and IgG is 20.9 (with a positive >20).

I always thought that I had a good, strong immune system, I rarely got sick, and then it turned out that I had gotten sick or was still sick. everything possible. Who can say what based on my analyses? Help

Please help me read the tests correctly. Tests were done at 8 weeks of pregnancy. Why do the values exceed the permissible standards? Why then do norms exist if the values exceed them? And how can this affect the child? Can a child become infected or not? Cytomegalovirus: IgM to Cytomegalovirus 0.297 negative. (normal 0-1), IgG to Cytomegalovirus 281.7 positive. (norm 0-10). Toxoplasma: Antibodies to Toxoplasma IgM value *less than* 0.13 IU/ml (norm 0-30), Antibodies to Toxoplasma IgG value 0.147 Rel. units (norm 0-1) Epstein-Barr: Antibodies to the capsid protein of the Epstein-Barr virus IgG(anti-EBV-VCA IgG).

Blood Test Results This is an attempt to decipher the results of some blood tests that are done in modern laboratories.

Girls. Who tested for the Epstein Barr Virus? Since this virus belongs to herpes viruses (for B it is more dangerous than simple herpes), Epstein Barra tested this ill-fated Vir. As a result, Ig M is negative, and IgG (NA) is positive, OD 4.31. In addition, in the TORCH inf analysis, Ig G is positive for HSV 1 and HSV2, and CMV Ig G is positive. Avinost CMV 85%. As a result, the infectious disease specialist says that Ig G titers are high, and it is necessary to inject antiherpes vaccines, since there is a risk.

Girls, maybe someone knows, tell me))) My daughter is 3 years old. I had a high fever for 15 days, the rate was 38/39.5. We were observed in the hospital, the doctors first diagnosed bronchitis, then otitis media + diarrhea and mouth for 3 days. We drank and injected 5 types of antibiotics, the temperature did not drop. On the 12th day from the onset of the disease, I was tested for Epstein Barr in 1 laboratory. Results: IgM to the capsid antigen of the virus was NOT DETECTED; iGg to the previous antigen of the virus was NOT DETECTED. On the 14th day, they were tested in another laboratory, results: IgM to the capsid protein.

Bad, I'm bad, but I copied what was forbidden, but I need to keep it for myself

A friend of mine shared a very interesting article with me, I want to offer it to you too. I retain the authorship.

Our tests for infectious markers have arrived for Dima, we can’t go to the doctor because we are sick (temp 38). I’m all exhausted.. Dear ones, please tell me, don’t pass me by. Positive: Chlamydia IgG IgG for the Epstein-Barr virus Doubtful: IgG Ureaplasma antibodies titer 1:1,000 Weakly positive: IgG Mycoplasma antibodies titer 1:5,000 As far as I know, chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma are sexually transmitted (that means CHANGE, I took tests 1.5 years ago, everything is clean, during pregnancy, everything is clean.), or not only? What is Barra virus? How serious is all this? We almost have it.

Girls, I’m not glad that I got in touch, there are even more questions, there are no answers yet. Either I don’t have enough patience, or homeopathy is not my thing, or the doctor was not suitable, or here, too, you need to “immerse yourself” in everything and study it thoroughly. At the end of my post there is an important question for me, I’m really looking forward to the answers from the girls who are on the short end of the spectrum with homeopathy. So, in order. I made an appointment with a homeopath at the end of May and wrote this post http://schschsch.babyblog.ru/tsommunity/post/netakoi/April.

Proper therapy for children All children suffer from acute respiratory infections several times a year, of which viruses cause more than 90%. Their frequency decreases as children develop more and more antiviral antibodies. In the absence of effective antiviral drugs (except for anti-influenza neuraminidase inhibitors), etiotropic treatment is impossible, so children are “subjected” to symptomatic therapy, sometimes massive, although in most cases it not only has no rational justification, but also does not bring the expected results. Antipyretics, cough suppressants, sore throat remedies, nasal drops - here you go.

A very interesting article =))) Unfortunately, there are much fewer expectant fathers who want to undergo any preparation for conceiving a child than there are expectant mothers. On the one hand, this is justified: a woman has to carry a pregnancy to term, and the health of the child largely depends on the health of the mother. On the other hand, we should not forget that the success of conception largely depends on the father.

<1 - антитела не обнаружены 1 и более - антитела обнаружены. Антитела к цитомегаловирусу, IgG 212.1 AE/ml <6,0 - антитела не обнаружены > <5 Ме/мл - антитела не обнаружены 5,0 - 9,9 Ме/мл анализ рекомендцется повторить через 1 неделю >

The situation is as follows. In the early stages of pregnancy, I had to go to the infectious diseases hospital with my child. He got over my mononucleosis. I naturally became worried, could I get infected? The doctor at the hospital upon discharge told me that it was unlikely, but for peace of mind I needed to be tested for antibodies to cytomegolovirus and Epstein-Barr, which are what cause mononucleosis. I passed and the results arrived today. IgG-positive, IgM-negative. As far as I remember, this means that I already have immunity to these viruses, and now there are no acute forms.

Maybe it will be useful to someone in the future! The question was why cytomegalovirus IgG was growing in my blood, and all other IgM and PCR indicators were negative. I'm now 23 weeks pregnant and I'm having twins. Even before pregnancy, I was tested for various infections, cytomegalovirus IgG was positive, IgM was negative, blood PCR was negative. As my gynecologist told me, a positive IgG means that I have had this virus, but since the other indicators are negative, the virus is now not active and I can get pregnant. Why.

Antibodies to Herpes symplex-1,2 viruses, IgG 37.6<1 - антитела не обнаружены 1 и более - антитела обнаружены. Антитела к цитомегаловирусу, IgG 212.1 AE/ml <6,0 - антитела не обнаружены >6.0 - antibodies detected, values from 6.0 to 15.0 - it is recommended to confirm by repeat testing after 2 weeks. . Antibodies to the rubella virus, IgG 466.0 IU/ml.<5 Ме/мл - антитела не обнаружены 5,0 - 9,9 Ме/мл анализ рекомендцется повторить через 1 неделю >10 - antibodies detected. . Antibodies to Toxoplasma.

Girls, who knows, help me understand. The situation is this: My daughter is 3 years old. I had a high fever for 15 days, from 38 to 39.5. We were observed in the hospital, doctors first diagnosed bronchitis, then otitis media + diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days. We drank and injected 5 types of antibiotics, the temperature did not drop. (flemoxin solutab, ceftriaxone, fortum, metrogil, macropen) On the 12th day from the onset of the disease, an Epstein Barr test was taken in 1 laboratory. Results: IgM to the capsid antigen of the virus was NOT DETECTED; iGg to the previous antigen of the virus was NOT DETECTED On the 14th day.

WHAT AND HOW TO TAKE WHEN YOU CAN’T BECOME A MOTHER Future dad: 1. Spermogram. Abstinence from sexual activity for 3-5 days. Not allowed - alcohol, sauna, bathhouse, overheating, nervous stress. If necessary, consult an andrologist. 2. Blood HIV, RW, HBsAg, HCV. (for a description, see the Future Mother) 3. Karyotyping. (for a description, see Expectant mother) Expectant mother: 1. Blood type, Rh factor in both spouses. Strictly on an empty stomach. 2. Complete blood count (hemoglobin, red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, ESR, color index, leukocyte formula). It is not advisable to take it during critical days. Hemoglobin and iron may be low, and this is unnecessary.

All children suffer from acute respiratory infections several times a year, of which viruses cause more than 90%. Their frequency decreases as children develop more and more antiviral antibodies. In the absence of effective antiviral drugs (except for anti-influenza neuraminidase inhibitors), etiotropic treatment is impossible, so children are “subjected” to symptomatic therapy, sometimes massive, although in most cases it not only has no rational basis, but also does not bring the expected results. Antipyretics, cough suppressants, sore throat remedies, nasal drops - this is an almost obligatory set of medications for acute respiratory infections; and there are also antihistamines.

Hello girls. I started to be examined again and took tests for ELISA infections, here are the results: Cytomegalovirus IgG - POSITIVE Cytomegalovirus IgM - negative Chlamydia trachomatis IgG - STRONG POSITIVE (1:160) Chlamydia trachomatis IgA - negative Chlamydia trachomatis IgM - POSITIVE (1:100) Simplex virus herpis IgG - negative Herpes simplex virus I IgM - negative Epstein-Barr virus IgG - POSITIVE Microplasma hominis IgG - negative Microplasma hominis IgA - negative Ureplasma urealyticum IgG - negative Ureplasma urealyticum IgA - negative Candida IgG - negative CMV IgG CP=13.5 EBV .

Epstein-Barr virus - symptoms and treatment, igg antibodies in the analysis

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What is it? Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most famous representative of the family Herpetoviridae from the large genus Gammaherpesviruses. It received its name in honor of the researchers who first identified and described its action.

Unlike their “brothers” herpeviruses, which are capable of encoding by nuclear genomes no more than 20 enzymes for synthesis, the EBV infection virion encodes over 80 protein proteins.

Inside the outer protein shell of the virus (capsid) there is a triplet hereditary code. A large number of glycoproteins (complex protein compounds) covering the capsid facilitates the attachment of the infectious virion to the cell surface and the introduction of the viral DNA macromolecule into it.

In its structure, the virus contains four types of specific antigens - early, capsid, membrane and nuclear, the synthesis of certain antibodies to which is the main criterion for identifying the disease. The main goal of the virus is to damage the humoral immunity, its cells and lymphocytes.

Its effect does not lead to cell death and does not inhibit their proliferation (reproduction), but stimulates the cell to undergo increased division.

This is an important characteristic feature of VEB. The virion is adversely affected by open, dry environments and high temperatures. It is not able to withstand disinfectant effects.

According to statistics, more than 90% of the population have encountered infection in one form or another and have antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus in their blood. The infection is transmitted by aerosol, with saliva, through kissing, through hematransfusion (blood transfusion) or during transplantation.

Patients with severe immunodeficiency and young children are more at risk of infection. The greatest danger is posed by carriers of a dangerous virus who do not have any complaints or obvious clinical signs.

Symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus

The virus exhibits the greatest activity in reproduction in the mucous epithelium of the oral and pharyngeal cavities, in the epithelial tissues of the tonsils and glands of the oral cavity. In the acute course of the infection, a process of increased formation of lymphocytosis occurs, provoking:

Increased formation of lymph cells, causing structural changes in the tissues of the lymph system - in the tonsils they swell and thicken;
In the lymph nodes there is tissue degeneration and focal necrosis;
Manifestations of varying degrees of hepatosplenomegaly.

In this case, the following may develop:

various inflammatory processes;
tissue hyperemia;
severe swelling of the mucous membranes;
excessive proliferation of lymphatic tissue;
leukocyte tissue infiltration.

The general symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus are caused by fever, general weakness, pain in the throat, enlarged lymphoid tissue and inflammation in the lymph nodes.

In the absence of reliable immune protection, the virus can infect the brain and heart cellular structure, causing pathological changes in the nervous system and myocardium (heart muscles), which can lead to mortality.

In children, the symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus are identical to the clinical manifestations of tonsillitis. Children of any age are susceptible to infection, but children in the age group from five to fifteen years are most often affected. The infection may not show any signs for two weeks to two months.

The clinical picture increases gradually, manifesting itself in weakness, increased fatigue and indifference to food, and a whole bunch of asthenovegetative disorders. Then the child appears:

sore throat;
insignificant temperature indicators, gradually reaching hectic indicators;
symptoms of acute pharyngitis;
signs of intoxication syndrome;
damage to large groups of lymph nodes.

The size of the lymph nodes can greatly increase (the size of a chicken egg), be moderately painful and softened (dough-like consistency). The greatest severity of lymphadenopathy can be observed a week after the onset of the main symptoms.

The pathological process is accompanied by a strong enlargement of the tonsils, the manifestation of rashes in the form of eczema, structural pathologies in the spleen, liver parenchyma and nervous system.

Diseases caused by EBV

The persistence of the viral virion in the body can continue throughout life and with severe immunity failure, the resumption of its activity can manifest itself at any time in the form of:

1) Infectious mononucleosis is the most famous manifestation of viral persistence. In its prodromal manifestation, the symptoms are similar to those of acute tonsillitis. Expressed by general weakness, malaise, sore throat and sore throat.

Temperatures start out normal and gradually increase to febrile limits. Characterized by migraines, manifestations of chronic and muscle weakness, joint pain, apathy towards food and minor depression (dystomia).

2) Polyadenopathy, during the development of which all groups of lymph nodes are affected - occipital and cervical, subclavicular and supraclavicular, inguinal and others.

Their size can increase up to 2 cm in diameter, the pain is moderate or very mild, they are mobile and not fused to each other or adjacent tissue. The peak of lymphadenopathy occurs on the seventh day of illness, after which there is a gradual decrease.

If the tonsils are affected, the symptoms are manifested by a sore throat:

intoxication syndrome;
fever and pain when swallowing;
purulent plaque on the posterior pharyngeal wall;
manifestation after three weeks of signs of hepatosplenomegaly and mild jaundice of the skin.

3) Damage to the nervous system that occurs during an acute infection process. Manifest in the form of encephalitis, meningitis, polyradiculoneuritis or meningoencephalitis. With timely treatment, pathologies can be successfully cured.

Sometimes a polymorphic rash develops in the form of papular and macular rashes, areas of subcutaneous hemorrhages (hemorrhages), which disappear spontaneously after one and a half weeks.

4) Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's disease), characterized by the development of malignant neoplasms in lymphoid tissues. The lesion begins with the cervical lymph nodes, gradually affecting other nodes of the lymph system and tissues of internal organs.

Patients show signs of intoxication, migraine, suppression of activity with signs of general weakness.

The process of enlargement of lymph nodes is painless, the nodes are mobile and not fused. The progression of the disease leads to the fusion of enlarged nodes into a single tumor. The clinical picture of the disease depends on the location of the tumor formation.

5) Hairy leukoplakia, a disease that is most likely a diagnostic confirmation of a state of immunodeficiency. It is characterized by the formation of folded whitish growths on the oral mucosa, which later transform into plaques. Apart from cosmetic unattractiveness, it does not cause any inconvenience to the patient.

Detection of Epstein Barr virus antibodies (IgG) in the body is a definite test for the presence of acute infection in many pathologies, which may attribute it to the main causes of development:

with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Fujimoto disease);
for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Burkitt;
in tumor neoplasms of various systems and organs;
for immunodeficiencies, multiple sclerosis and other pathologies.

Features of varieties of viral antigens

virus antigen photo

A unique feature of the infectious virion is the presence of various types of antigens that are formed in a certain order and induce the synthesis of certain antibodies in the body. The synthesis of such antibodies in infected patients depends on the species classification of the antigen.

1) Early antigen (early - EA) - the presence of IgG (antibodies) to this antigen in the body is evidence of a primary infection occurring in an acute form. With the disappearance of clinical symptoms, antibodies also disappear.

They appear again with the resumption and activation of clinical signs, or the chronic course of the disease.

2) Viral capcide antigen (capsid - VCA). A small amount of antibodies to the capsid antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus can persist in the human body throughout life. In case of primary infection, their early manifestation is detected only in a small proportion of patients.

Two months after the appearance of clinical signs, their quantity reaches its highest concentration. A positive reaction may indicate immunity to the virus.

3) Membrane antigen (membrane - MA). Antibodies to this antigen appear within seven days of infection. They disappear with the first signs of the disease - after one and a half weeks.

Long-term presence in the body may be a sign of the development of chronic EB infection. If the results are positive, they speak of viral reactivation.

4) “Epstain-Barr” nuclea antigen (nuclear - EBNA). The synthesis of antibodies to this antigen is rarely detected at the onset of the disease. It appears more often during the recovery stage and can persist in the body for a long time.

A negative result for the presence of a nuclear or nuclear (EBNA) antibody in the blood and a positive result for the presence of a capsid antibody is evidence of the development of an infection in the body.

Treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus - drugs and tests

Diagnosis of the disease includes a range of serodiagnostic, ELISA, serum and PRC tests, studies of the entire spectrum of viral antibodies, immunograms and ultrasound.

Treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus in children and adults begins with dietary therapy, including a complete nutritious diet, excluding foods that irritate the digestive tract. The following are prescribed as specific drug therapy:

Antiviral drugs - “Isoprinosine”, “Arbidol”, “Valtrex” or “Famvir” with individual dosage and course of administration.
Interferons - “Viferon”, “EC-lipind” or “Reaferon”.
Drugs that cause the formation of interferon upon cellular contact (inducers) - “Cycloferon”, “Amiksin”, or “Anaferon”.

Specific therapy drugs are prescribed to intensify and enhance the therapeutic effect. These may be drugs:

Immunocorrections – immunomodulatory agents in the form of “Thymogen”, “Polyoxidonium”, “Derinat”, Lykopid”, “Ribomunil”, Immunorix” or “Roncoleukin”.
In case of severe intoxication syndrome, use hepaprotector drugs such as Karsila, Hepabene, Gapatofalk, Essentiale, Heptral, Ursosan or Ovesola.
Enterosorbent preparations – “Filtrum”, “Lactofiltrum”, “Enterosgel” or “Smectu”.
To restore the microflora - probiotic preparations: “Bifidum-forte”, “Probifor”, “Biovestin” or “Bifiform”.
Allergic reactions can be stopped with antihistamines - Zyrtec, Claritin, Zodak, or Erius.
Additional medications depending on the symptoms manifested.

EBV treatment prognosis

For most patients with the EB virus, with timely treatment, the prognosis is good, health is restored within six months.

Only in patients with weakened immune systems can the infection enter a chronic phase or be complicated by inflammatory processes in the ear and maxillary sinuses.

Epstein-Barr virus, also called human herpes virus type 4, is one of the most common human viruses. It “settles” mainly in the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx and in B-lymphocytes (a type of leukocyte - white blood cell). The source of infection is a sick person, including patients with erased forms of the disease. Transmission of infection occurs through airborne droplets, but more often with saliva (for example, through kissing); transmission of infection through blood transfusions is possible. From the moment of infection to the first signs of the disease (incubation period), an average of 30 to 50 days pass. Most people are infected with EBV but do not have any symptoms. Manifestations of Epstein-Barr viral infection are many-sided. There are a great many diseases with which it is associated. The most common cause of the Epstein-Barr virus is infectious mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Recently, more and more data have appeared confirming the participation of EBV in the development of certain oncological processes (nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lymphoma, etc.).

Characterized by a triad of symptoms: high body temperature, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes; liver and spleen. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by persistent fatigue and decreased performance in previously healthy people in the absence of obvious diseases or other causes that can cause this condition. In this case, increased body temperature (up to 38 degrees), chronic pharyngitis, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain, and sleep disturbances may be observed.

Why do you need an Epstein-Barr virus test?

When planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination for the presence of a herpes infection in the body, including herpes type 4 (EBV), and carry out adequate treatment under the supervision of a doctor. This is due to the fact that for pregnant women, a more dangerous situation is when a woman has not had contact with EBV before pregnancy than if a woman has previously had an encounter with this virus. It is the body’s first “acquaintance” with this virus, if it occurs during pregnancy, that can cause irreparable harm to the course of pregnancy and the development of the baby.

Tests for the Epstein-Barr virus virus, which can be used to determine the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the human body, are:

Enzyme immunoassay for the Epstein-Barr virus with the determination of IgG, IgM antibodies to capsid antigen (VCA), IgG to early antigen (EA) and IgG to nuclear antigen (EBNA).

What is an ELISA test for Epstein-Barr virus? This is a laboratory test in which special biochemical reactions can be used to determine the content of immunoglobulins (or antibodies) in the blood.

What are immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the Epstein-Barr virus test? These are proteins that are produced by blood cells. When a pathogen (antigen) of a particular infection enters the human body, immunoglobulins bind to it (form a complex) and neutralize it after some time. As many different microbes, viruses and toxins as there are, there are as many different immunoglobulins as there are. Together with blood, they can penetrate into any, even the most distant corners of our body and overtake “aggressors” everywhere.

What are IgM antibodies to capsid antigen (VCA) in the Epstein-Barr virus test? Antibodies of the IgM class to the capsid antigen complex of the Epstein-Barr virus are characteristic of acute infection. They appear in the early phase of the disease and disappear within 4 to 6 weeks from the onset of acute primary infection. This type of antibody is also detected during reactivation (resumption of the course) of the infection.

What are IgG antibodies to capsid antigen (VCA) in the Epstein-Barr virus test? VCA IgG appears soon after VCA IgM and in the acute stage of infection is found in almost all patients. After recovery, VCA IgG persists for life. When the infection is reactivated, the number of these antibodies increases.

What are IgG antibodies to early antigen (EA) in the Epstein-Barr virus test? Early antigens (EA) appear in the early phase of the virus life cycle - during acute primary infection, as well as during reactivation of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. IgG antibodies to early antigens in acute infectious mononucleosis appear in the 1st - 2nd week of infection and disappear on average after 3 - 4 (up to 6) months. In most cases, the presence of antibodies to early Epstein-Barr virus antigens in the Epstein-Barr virus test is characteristic of an acute infection.

What are IgG antibodies to nuclear antigen (EBNA)? These antibodies in the Epstein-Barr virus test are an indicator of a past infection (so-called past infection) with the Epstein-Barr virus. IgG class antibodies to nuclear antigen (IgG-EBNA antibodies) appear 4-6 months after the onset of infection, including those occurring in erased forms, and then, in small quantities, are detected throughout life. They can be found in more than 50% of adolescents and more than 90% of adults. IgG-EBNA antibodies in the Epstein-Barr virus test are detected late after acute infection, against the background of asymptomatic infection, as well as during reactivation and chronic infection.

How to decipher the result of an Epstein-Barr virus test?

When deciphering the ELISA test for the Epstein-Barr virus, it is necessary to take into account that each laboratory that conducts such an analysis has its own normal values (the so-called reference values). They must be indicated on the form. If the antibody level is below the threshold value, the result is considered negative; above the threshold value, the result is positive.

Stage of infection	VCA IgM	VCA IgG	EA-IgG	EBNA IgG
Absence of infection and most of the incubation period (30 - 50 days)	-	-	-	-
Suspicion of an early stage of primary infection	+	-	-	-
Acute stage of primary infection	++	++++	++	-
Recent infection (less than 6 months)	+	++++	++	-
Past infection (past infection)	-	+++	+/-	+
Chronic infection or its reactivation	-/+	++++	+++	-/+
Malignancies associated with Epstein-Barr virus	-	++++	+++	-/+

Polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA.

What is viral DNA? We are talking about the well-known deoxyribonucleic acid. It is contained inside the virus and is the carrier of its hereditary information. Using DNA, like fingerprints, it is impossible to confuse one virus with another.

What is a PCR test for the Epstein-Barr virus? This is a very sensitive method for laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. It is based on the detection of DNA or RNA of the infectious agent in the material taken for research (this can be blood, urine, amniotic fluid, sputum, saliva, etc.). For PCR diagnostics of the Epstein-Barr virus, the most common material for research is venous blood.

How to decipher the test result for the Epstein-Barr virus? PCR usually gives a positive result (the pathogen is present) or a negative result (the pathogen is not present). PCR analysis for the Epstein-Barr virus can detect even a negligible amount of the virus.

When is such a test for the Epstein-Barr virus prescribed? PCR diagnostics of the Epstein-Barr virus is an additional method confirming the acute stage of infection. The use of PCR for diagnosing past or chronic infections is inappropriate. PCR testing is especially useful for identifying this infection in newborns, when ELISA studies are not very informative due to the immaturity of the immune system.

Preparation for ELISA and PCR tests for the Epstein-Barr virus: No specific preparation for the study is required. It is advisable to donate blood on an empty stomach; The day before you should avoid eating fatty foods.