[IgM diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections by means of the immunofluorescent method]

Sera were investigated of patients possibly suffering from an EBV infection, without showing clinical features characteristic of infectious mononucleosis. The method of investigation was the detection of antibodies of the IgM-type by means of the immunofluorescent method using a three-layer technique. Diagnosis of EBV infection was established in 10 out of 90 patients with facial palsy, one with myelitis, one with sudden deafness and one with polyneuritis. In addition, 4 out of 19 cases of hepatitis (Hbs-negative) proved to be due to infection with EBV. The specific IgM test proved to be superior to the heterophil agglutination test.