What are the normal results for an Epstein-Barr virus test?
The pattern of the three antibodies can be used to determine whether the person has not had infection with EBV to this point (is susceptible to infection); is currently, or recently, infected with EBV for the first time; or has had first time infection with EBV sometime in the past (more than six months ago). If one defines “normal” results as either not having EBV in the past, and call that category one; or having had it in the past, and call that category two. Most young children below the age of five will fall into category one, while most adults over the age of 20 years will fall into category two. The results for susceptibility are: • antibody to EA = negative • antibody to VCA (either IgM or IgG) = negative • antibody to EBNA = negative The results for past infection are: • antibody to EA = negative (90% of time) • antibody to VCA IgM = negative • Antibody to VCA IgG = positive • Antibody to EBNA = Positive. It is important to realize that the Epstein-Barr virus, like all the hum
