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The rapid serological diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis
J J Gray1, J Caldwell, M Sillis
1Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, U.K.
Abstract:
A total of 121 samples of serum collected from 101 patients was tested to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial latex agglutination test for detecting infectious mononucleosis heterophile antibody, a commercial immunofluorescence test for detecting antibody to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen and a rapid enzyme immunoassay for detecting antibody to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen. Although the Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen IgM indirect immunofluorescence test proved to be the most sensitive, false-positive reactions were seen when samples collected from patients with cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A virus, parvovirus and leptospira infection were tested. False-positive reactions were also seen with samples containing rheumatoid factor.