[Detection of Epstein-Barr virus specific IgE antibody]

To confirm the existence and investigate the biological significance of IgE virus-specific antibodies, we studied Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific IgE antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with an anti human IgE monoclonal antibody. We detected EBV-specific IgE antibody in sera not only from patients with the EBV associated diseases of infectious mononucleosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but also from patients with bronchial asthma, collagen disease and healthy volunteers. However, there was no significant difference in the titers of IgE antibody specific for EBV among these groups. No significant relationship between the titers of EBV-specific IgG and IgE antibody, or between the titers of EBV-specific IgE and the total IgE levels in the sera was observed.