The ORGENTEC Anti-EBV (VCA) IgG is a quantitative ELISA for the detection of specific class IgG antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus. Test samples are human serum and plasma. The Anti-EBV (VCA) IgG is used for the confirmation of a prior infection with Epstein-Barr virus.

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.

Through detection of the various antibodies, it is possible to determine the stage of infection as well as the immune status of the patient: In the early stage of the disease, IgM and IgG antibodies against VCA, the viral capsid antigen of the Epstein-Barr virus, are detectable. About three weeks after the onset of symptoms, the maximum concentration of IgM antibodies against the VCA peptide is attained; the highest concentration of VCA IgG antibodies is reached after about six weeks. This high concentration of VCA IgG antibodies remains throughout the life of the patient. In parallel, six to eight weeks after infection, antibodies against EBNA (Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen) are formed. These are also detectable with the Anti-EBV (EBNA-1) IgG from ORGENTEC Diagnostika.

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, it is thus always necessary to determine the patient’s EBV status.