From the Guidelines
Most people have IgG antibodies for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), with over 90% of the normal adult population having IgG class antibodies to VCA and EBNA antigens. This is because EBV infection is extremely common, with approximately 90-95% of adults globally having been infected with EBV at some point in their lives 1. The presence of IgG antibodies indicates past infection and usually confers lifelong immunity against symptomatic reinfection. Some key points to consider include:
- EBV infection typically occurs during childhood or adolescence, often causing infectious mononucleosis ("mono") in teenagers and young adults 1.
- After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the body for life, and the immune system produces IgG antibodies that persist indefinitely 1.
- The presence of EBV IgG is so common that it's considered normal in adult populations across all geographic regions 1.
- Testing for EBV IgG is often used to determine if someone has ever been infected with the virus, while IgM antibodies would indicate a recent or active infection 1. It's worth noting that approximately 5%–10% of patients who have been infected with EBV fail to develop antibodies to the EBNA antigen 1.
From the Research
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and IgG Antibodies
- Most people are infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) at some point in their lives, and the virus remains dormant in the body after the initial infection 2.
- Studies have shown that nearly all adults have IgG antibodies to EBV, indicating a past infection 2, 3.
- The presence of IgG antibodies to EBV is a common finding in the general population, and it is not necessarily indicative of a current or recent infection 4, 5.
IgG Antibody Response to EBV
- The IgG antibody response to EBV is characterized by a rapid increase in antibody titers, which can remain elevated for many years after the initial infection 2.
- The IgG antibodies to EBV can be detected using various laboratory tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), and immunoblot assay 3, 5.
- The sensitivity and specificity of these tests can vary, and the results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other laboratory findings 3, 4.
Clinical Significance of IgG Antibodies to EBV
- The presence of IgG antibodies to EBV is not necessarily indicative of a current or recent infection, and it does not necessarily correlate with the presence of symptoms or disease activity 4, 5.
- However, the detection of IgG antibodies to EBV can be useful in certain clinical situations, such as in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis or in the monitoring of patients with EBV-associated diseases 2, 3.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of IgG antibodies to EBV and their role in the diagnosis and management of EBV-related diseases 5.