From the Guidelines
If you've tested positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgG antibodies, this indicates you've been infected with EBV in the past and now have immunity, and no specific treatment is needed as this is a sign of past infection, not current illness. According to the 2013 recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 1, the presence of IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) is normal and expected after infection, with over 90% of the normal adult population having IgG class antibodies to VCA and EBNA antigens.
Key Points to Consider
- The presence of EBNA antibodies indicates infection more than 6 weeks from the time of the sample and therefore not likely implicating EBV as a cause 1.
- You cannot transmit the virus to others unless you're experiencing a rare reactivation.
- While the virus remains dormant in your body after infection, your immune system keeps it under control.
- If you're feeling well, no follow-up testing is typically necessary, but if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms like severe fatigue, persistent fever, or swollen lymph nodes, consult your healthcare provider as these could indicate another condition or, rarely, EBV reactivation 1.
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest, good nutrition, and stress management supports your immune system in keeping the dormant virus in check.
- It's essential to note that EBV is associated with lymphoproliferative disease in patients with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, including patients with severe combined immunodeficiency, recipients of organ or peripheral blood stem cell transplants, and patients infected with HIV 1. However, this is not directly relevant to a patient with a positive EBV IgG test result who is otherwise healthy.
From the Research
EBV IgG Positive Patient Education
- EBV IgG positive status indicates a past infection with Epstein-Barr virus, as the presence of VCA IgG and EBNA-1 IgG without VCA IgM is typical of past infection 2
- Patients with a history of EBV infection may still experience symptoms or complications, and education on managing these symptoms is essential
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to quickly resolve symptoms associated with EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis in patients with atopic predispositions 3
- Antiviral treatment may be considered in severe cases of EBV infection, although its effectiveness is still debatable 4
- Serological tests, including immunofluorescence, ELISA, or Western blot, are used to determine EBV serostatus and diagnose symptomatic disease or differentiate infectious mononucleosis from other conditions 5
- Determining the serostatus correctly is important, especially in immunocompromised patients, to diagnose and monitor serious EBV disease 5
- Patients should be educated on the potential risks and complications associated with EBV infection, including the development of autoimmune or malignant diseases 6
- Education on the interpretation of serological test results, including the presence of VCA IgG, VCA IgM, and EBNA-1 IgG, can help patients understand their infection status and any necessary treatment or monitoring 2