What is VCA antibody?

The test has 3 components: viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, VCA IgM, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA). 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.

What drug treats Epstein-Barr virus?

Numerous drugs inhibit Epstein-Barr virus replication in vitro. These include acyclovir, desciclovir, ganciclovir, interferon-alfa, interferon-gamma, adenine arabinoside, and phosphonoacetic acid.

Which is the first human antibody that blocks Epstein-Barr virus?

In April 2018, the first human antibody that blocks Epstein-Barr Virus was discovered, called AMMO1. It blocks glycoproteins gH and gL. This discovery defines new sites of vulnerability on Epstein-Barr Virus, and neutralizes the dual-tropic infection (stopping both infection of B cells and epithelial cells).

What is VCA and EBNA?

Antigens derived from the Viral Capsid (VCA) are used to detect antibodies generally produced during the acute phase of the infection whereas the EBNA-1 protein is used to detect IgG produced during convalescence.

What does positive EBV VCA IgG mean?

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.

What is a high EBV VCA IgG level?

According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, EBNA-1 IgG levels <5 U/ml were considered negative, levels between 5–20 U/ml were considered equivocal, and levels ≥20 U/ml were considered positive. VCA IgG levels <20 U/ml were considered negative and VCA IgG levels ≥20 U/ml were considered positive.

How does the body get rid of Epstein-Barr?

Although no medicine can cure an EBV infection, you can take these steps at home to ease your symptoms:

  1. Get plenty of rest.
  2. Drink a lot of water and other liquids to stay hydrated.
  3. Suck on lozenges or ice pops, or gargle with warm salt water, to make your sore throat feel better.

Does Epstein Barr ever go away?

EBV never truly goes away. Even if the symptoms subside, the virus will remain inactive inside your body until it is reactivated by a trigger. Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause.

What foods to avoid when you have EBV?

Sugary and processed foods will trigger inflammation in the body, worsening symptoms such as a sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and liver inflammation. High carbohydrate foods (sugar and processed wheat) can also cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, leaving you tired, grumpy and craving sugar.