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[Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis. A clinical study of Epstein-Barr antibodies (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Thirty-seven patients--aged 2 to 58--with clinical and hematological signs of infectious mononucleosis were studied. Thirty patients gave serologic evidence of Epstein-Barr virus infections; antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) appeared very early (only two seroconversions and 4 cases of increased titer were detected); antibodies to early antigen (EA) occured in 25 patients, but only 9 had high titers; antibodies to nuclear antigen (EBNA) appeared late in the course of the disease. VCA-specific IgM antibodies occurred in 25 cases (they usually disappeared during the 2nd month). The transforming EB virus was found in the saliva of the 2 patients where we looked for it. Heterophile antibody responses occured in only 17 patients; among children about half of them had a positive Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test. After the age of 40 (3 cases) heterophile antibodies were no longer found. Three patients had another recent viral infection at the same time as the primary EBV infection (two cases of rubella, one case of adenovirus infection). Of the remaining 7 patients (having either no antibodies to EBV or antibodies of past infection), 2 had cytomegalovirus infections and one rubella.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis, with antibodies appearing at different stages. Viral capsid antigen (VCA) antibodies are early indicators, while nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibodies appear later.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Context:
- Infectious mononucleosis presents with diverse clinical and hematological signs.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a primary etiological agent, but its serological markers require detailed characterization.
Purpose:
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody responses in patients with infectious mononucleosis.
- To correlate specific antibody profiles with disease progression and identify co-infections.
Summary:
- Thirty-seven patients with infectious mononucleosis were studied for EBV serology.
- Antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and early antigen (EA) were detected early, while EBNA antibodies appeared late.
- VCA-specific IgM antibodies were transient, and heterophile antibodies were less common, especially in older adults.
- Co-infections with rubella and adenovirus were noted, alongside cytomegalovirus infections in some patients without acute EBV markers.
Impact:
- This study clarifies the diagnostic utility of different EBV antibody types in infectious mononucleosis.
- Understanding antibody kinetics aids in accurate diagnosis and management of EBV infections.
- Highlights the importance of considering co-infections in the differential diagnosis.