COMPACT EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS DIAGNOSIS BASED ON A DEFINED ANTIGEN MIX AND SPECIFIC IGA

An ELISA was evaluated to measure EBV-specific IgM, IgG and IgA using a test plate coated with a controlled mix of EA, VCA and EBNA. Using t he IgM version, the multireactive surface reduced false-negative findi ngs in cases of infectious mononucleosis (sensitivity 98%), but was co nfronted with polyclonal IgM responses (specificity 85% to 95% dependi ng on the population). For the IgG version, a national research standa rd was involved, and in combination with the IgA estimation, a new dia gnostic strategy became possible for chronic EBV infections and reacti vations. Patients screened by enhanced IgG (>650 U/ml) were confirmed by an elevated IgA signal (>0.6 A), with an efficacy of 95%. A raised virus-specific IgA response was not observed in cases of infectious mo nonucleosis, but was seen for healthy HIV-positive persons. Superior t o the traditional antibody puzzle for EBV diagnosis, it will now becom e possible, using this compact diagnostic concept, to reduce laborator y expenses without loss of reliable results.