The Anti-EBV (EBNA-1) IgG from ORGENTEC Diagnostika is used for the quantitative detection of human IgG antibodies against EBNA-1 of the Epstein-Barr virus. Samples used are human serum or plasma. The Anti-EBV (EBNA-1) IgG ELISA is used exclusively for the detection of a prior infection. Samples used are human serum or plasma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the cause of infectious mononucleosis (kissing disease). Like all herpes viruses, EBV is distributed around the globe and persists throughout the lifetime of its host. EBV plays an important role in the onset of malignant diseases, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and lymphoproliferative syndromes. The virus is transmitted through saliva; seroprevalence in adults is 90 to 95 %. Most infections are asymptomatic.

In the primary phase of infection with Epstein-Barr virus, the pathogen first infects the salivary glands, which leads to general flu-like symptoms. After it moves to the B-lymphocytes, the virus spreads throughout the body, which can lead to the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis: lymphadenitis with high fever, enlarged spleen, thrombocytopenia, possibly hepatitis. About three weeks after the onset of symptoms, IgG antibodies against the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (abbreviated EBNA-1) are formed. Appearance of these antibodies indicates a shift from the active phase of the virus into a latent phase. IgG antibodies against EBNA-1 remain in the body throughout the life of the patient; however, reactivation of the virus can cause their concentration to drop below the detection limit of an ELISA.

Acute EBV infections lead to the unspecific stimulation of the immune system, which can lead to false positive results in tests for other pathogens. For differential diagnosis when symptoms are unclear, it is thus always necessary to determine the patient’s EBV status.