What does EBV VCA IgG positive mean?

What does EBV VCA IgG positive mean?

The presence of VCA IgG antibodies indicates that an EBV infection has occurred at some time recently or in the past. The presence of VCA IgM antibodies and the absence of antibodies to EBNA mean that the infection has occurred recently. The presence of antibodies to EBNA means that the infection occurred in the past.

How many types of Epstein-Barr are there?

Two major EBV types have been detected in humans: EBV-1 and EBV-2 (also known as types A and B). EBV-1 and EBV-2 differ in the sequence of the genes that code for the EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA-2, EBNA-3A/3, EBNA-3B/4, and EBNA-3C/6) (Sample et al., 1990).

What does it mean when EBV antibodies are high?

Some types of EBV antibodies are present in higher numbers during an active infection. Other EBV antibodies mean that you had an infection in the past. Depending on the type of antibodies your test shows, your healthcare provider can find out more about what is causing your illness.

What is the difference between EBV 1 and EBV-2?

The two Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) types, EBV-1 and EBV-2, are known to differ in their EBNA-2 genes, which are 64 and 53% identical in their nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences, respectively.

Are there different strains of Epstein-Barr virus?

The first major EBV variants identified were type 1 (type A) and type 2 (type B). Type 1 EBV (e.g. B95‐8, GD1 and Akata) is the main EBV strain prevalent worldwide; type 2 EBV (e.g. AG876 and P3HR‐1) is as abundant as type 1 EBV in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Is EBV 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.

What are normal EBV levels?

Optimal Result: 0 – 17.9 U/mL. EBV-VCA, IgG is an antibody (protein) that is produced by the body in an immune response to an Epstein-Barr virus antigen.

What is VCA IgG antibody?

VCA IgG antibodies appear early in EBV infection and titers peak between 2-4 weeks after the appearance of symptoms. IgG levels decline slightly but persist for life. The presence of VCA IgG antibodies in healthy individuals indicates immunological exposure to EBV either as silent primary infection or past exposure.

Are lupus and Epstein-Barr related?

Indeed, our results suggest that the first lupus-specific autoantibodies arise from particular antibodies directed against Epstein-Barr virus Nuclear Antigen-1 (EBNA-1) and that infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an environmental risk factor for lupus.

What cancers are caused by Epstein-Barr virus?

EBV infection increases a person’s risk of getting nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the area in the back of the nose) and certain types of fast-growing lymphomas such as Burkitt lymphoma. It may also be linked to Hodgkin lymphoma and some cases of stomach cancer.