Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus-related diseases.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present, as both latent and replicating virus, in most healthy individuals, and disturbance of the normal host-virus balance may cause a variety of diseases. A number of diagnostic tools can he used, depending upon the particular condition investigated, however, serology is the best method for diagnosis of primary EBV infections. In approximately 85% of cases of mononucleosis, the primary EBV infection can he diagnosed by an assay for heterophile antibodies. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM to antigens from the replicative cycle of the virus, in combination with absence of antibodies to the EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA 1-6), is a diagnostic for a primary EBV infection. Serological tests for elevated IgA levels to various EBV antigens have been used to screen for EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In those with AIDS with EBV-associated lymphomas of the brain, EBV genomes can always be detected with polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid. Epstein-Barr virus involvement in tumours, other than those of the brain and solid organs, can be verified by in situ demonstration of EBV-DNA or by immunocytochemical techniques for viral antigens.
Linde
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Department of Virology, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Stockholm, Sweden.
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral