What does a positive EBV-VCA IgM mean?

If someone is positive for VCA-IgM antibodies, then it is likely that the person has an EBV infection and it may be early in the course of the illness. If the individual also has symptoms associated with mono, then it is most likely that the person will be diagnosed with mono, even if the mono test was negative.

What does it mean if EBV-VCA IgG is high?

What does it mean if your EBV Ab VCA, IgG result is too high? Presence of detectable VCA IgI antibodies. A positive result indicates current or past exposure. The EBV-VCA IgG antibody emerges during acute infection with the highest level at 2 to 4 weeks, then drops slightly, stabilizes, and is present for life.

What is anti VCA IgM?

EBNA IgG and VCA IgM (anti-Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen IgM) are two types of antibodies produced by the body against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is responsible for mononucleosis.

How long is EBV VCA IgM positive?

Anti-VCA IgM appears early in EBV infection and usually disappears within four to six weeks.

How long does VCA IgM stay positive?

Viral capsid antigen (VCA) Anti-VCA IgM appears early in EBV infection and usually disappears within four to six weeks.

What is the difference between EBV IgG and IgM?

Presence of VCA IgM antibodies indicates recent primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The presence of VCA IgG antibodies indicates infection sometime in the past. Antibodies to EBNA develop 6 to 8 weeks after primary infection and are detectable for life.

Is Epstein-Barr considered an autoimmune disease?

Epstein-Barr infects B cells—a type of white blood cell in the immune system. This may explain the association between Epstein-Barr and the EBNA2 disorders: All seven are autoimmune diseases, conditions involving an abnormal immune response to a normal body part.

How serious is Epstein-Barr virus?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause illnesses and complications aside from infectious mononucleosis. People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe symptoms and complications from EBV infection. They may also have more severe illness caused by EBV infection.

When does EBV IgM turn positive?

Antibodies against the capsid antigen IgG (VCA IgG) typically appear at the time of the onset of the clinical symptoms of acute infection, and remain positive for life[32], whereas IgM antibodies (VCA IgM) usually appear at the same time as VCA IgG and disappear within a few weeks[32-37], although they may persist for …