An evaluation of a polyantigenic ELISA to detect Epstein-Barr virus reactivation

The diagnostic reliability of the Enzygnost EBV test (DadeBehring, Germany) for the detection of IgG and IgA antibodies in the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) recurrent disease was investigated. Of 81 serum samples examined there were fourteen asymptomatic patients without EBV infection, 46 with past EBV infection, and 21 patients with EBV reactivation. The Enzygnost EBV test was based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a pool of viral antigens. The reliability of IgG at >650 IU/ml, and IgA for the diagnosis of reactivation or chronic persistent EBV infection gave 100% sensitivity, 83.3% and 98.3% specificity, respectively. The data indicated that the appearance of EBV IgA was associated with EBV reactivation together with clinical manifestations.