Although this panel is known for detecting antibodies to various components of EBV in patients with mononucleosis, it is also useful in helping to detect possible autoimmunity because EBV infection is suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of many systemic autoimmune diseases, as shown in the figure below. Many studies have found increased levels of antibodies against EBV-VCA (Viral Capsid Antigen), Early Antigen (EA), and Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) in patients with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Type-1 Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and more.
This induction of autoimmune disorders is mainly due to molecular mimicry or cross-reactivity between EBV antigens and human tissue proteins, which is why EBV has been called one of the
autoimmune viruses.
This panel is beneficial for a wide variety of patients with the following:
1. EBV infection resulting in infectious mononucleosis
2. Autoimmune diseases
3. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
4. Long COVID
EBV contributes to more than 30 autoimmune disorders. Detection of IgG or IgM antibodies to various EBV antigens indicates either past infection, primary reactivation, or re-infection with Epstein-Barr Virus or Herpes Type 4.
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