EBV virus is the most common of the double-stranded DNA viruses. The most well-known disease it causes is infectious mononucleosis. It is most commonly spread through body fluids, most commonly saliva. Infection causes fever, fatigue, inflammation of the throat, edema of the cervical lymph nodes, splenomegaly, hepatic edema and rash. After infection occurs, it becomes latent (inactive) in the body, but people with weakened immune systems develop symptoms of EBV infection. After contact, the virus first is first responded by IgM antibodies. Therefore, EBV IgM indicates acute infection, while EBV IgG reflects previous infection where it has been overcome by body’s defense systems and lifetime protecting IgG antibodies have been synthesized. It has to be noted that this protection is effective unless there is no sign of a total weakened immunity by any cause. EBV-VCA IGG (Viral Capsid Antigen) is the immune response to the antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus.
Interpretation:The avidity test shows the tendency of the virus to bind with IgG antibodies. This will show whether the infection is a past or a present infection. If avidity is high, the infection is considered past, but if it is low, the virus antigen is still active and strong enough to resist antibodies, indicating an acute infection. Therefore, if the affinity is low in the case of positive IgG, the infection is considered as an acute infection. Over time (6 to 8 weeks) avidity increases. A high avidity level is a desirable result.
Sample: Arm venous blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: 2 days at 6 PM
