[IgA antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen]

The authors describe infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which is associated with the formation of various types of antibodies--heterophil (HP) antibodies as well as antibodies against individual EBV antigens. They evaluate the contribution of a recently elaborated and introduced method used for detection of antibodies against the capsid antigen of the EBV class IgA (anti-VCA IgA) by indirect immunofluorescence to the diagnosis of acute and chronic EBV infections. Anti-VCA IgA are useful in the diagnosis of EBV infections if the patient has no longer HP and anti-VCA IgM, but only anti-VCA IgG. If, however, in addition to anti-VCA IgA also anti-VCA IgA are present, their presence can be the only detectable sign of a recent EBV infection and also a sign of reactivation of chronic EBV infection.