What Is EBV?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) — the 'kissing disease'. After initial infection, EBV remains latent in the body for life. Blood tests detect antibodies that distinguish active, past, and reactivated infection.
EBV Antibody Panel
| Antibody | VCA-IgM | VCA-IgG | EA-IgG | EBNA-IgG | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible | − | − | − | − | Never infected |
| Acute infection | + | + | +/− | − | Active glandular fever |
| Recent infection (past 3–6 months) | − | + | +/− | +/− | Recovery phase |
| Past infection (immune) | − | + | − | + | Fully immune, latent EBV |
| Reactivated EBV | −/+ | + | + | + | EBV reactivation — check immune status |
Symptoms of Glandular Fever
- Extreme fatigue — can persist weeks to months
- Sore throat — often severe
- High fever
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
- Enlarged spleen (avoid contact sports — rupture risk)
- Rash — especially if amoxicillin is given (do not give penicillins in EBV)
Warning: Avoid Contact SportsEBV can cause spleen enlargement. Avoid heavy physical activity and contact sports for at least 4 weeks to prevent life-threatening splenic rupture.
FAQs
Is there a treatment for EBV?
No antiviral is effective. Management is supportive — rest, fluids, and paracetamol/ibuprofen for fever and pain.
Can EBV come back?
EBV stays latent for life. Reactivation can occur in immunosuppressed individuals but rarely causes symptoms in healthy people.
Is EBV linked to cancer?
Yes — EBV is associated with some lymphomas (Burkitt's, Hodgkin's) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, though cancer from EBV is uncommon in immunocompetent people.
Medical Disclaimer: EBV antibody patterns can be complex. Always interpret with clinical symptoms and under the guidance of a doctor.