Epstein Barr Virus (EBV-EA), IgG Antibody

The test detects antibodies against Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). EBV causes mononucleosis, a disorder associated with fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes & enlarged spleen. Anti-EA (early antigen) IgG appears in the acute phase of infection & it not able to detect the EBV after three to six months. In many people, detection of antibody to EA is a sign of active infection. The virus is present in the saliva of the patients and is very contagious. The test can also be ordered in the absence of symptoms in immunocompromised person who has been in close contact with the infected person.