Test Kits Detect Epstein Barr Virus Antibodies in Serum

Two serology test kits detect the presence or absence of Epstein-Bar immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) antibodies in serum.

The tests help physicians to diagnose Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis. Called the Plexus multi-analyte diagnostics serology kits, they enable physicians to determine whether the EBV infection is acute, or from a recent or past infection.

Focus Diagnostics (Cypress, CA, USA) developed the serology kits and has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville, MD, USA) approval for their use in the United States.

The Plexus EBV IgM panel identifies the presence of viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM and heterophile antibodies, which are associated with acute or recent EBV infection. The Plexus EBV IgG panel identifies the presence of VCA IgG, early antigen-diffuse (EA-D) and nuclear antigen (EBNA-1), which are associated with past EBV infections.

The Plexus Multi-Analyte Diagnostics line of multiplex infectious-disease assays use Luminex xMAP technology, and have been specifically designed to correspond with laboratory tests that physicians might order to help them diagnose specific infections. Plexus software runs on Luminex-based analyzers and allows the laboratory to report results for the entire panel or only specific assays.

EBV infections are common throughout the world, causing a wide range of diseases of varying severity. The most common and best known of these EBV-associated diseases in developed countries is infectious mononucleosis. Accurate diagnosis of EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis can be difficult without serologic testing to detect specific antigens and antibodies.

Type specific Herpes simplex virus (HSV) serology and West Nile Virus DxSelect are Focus Diagnostics products used in laboratories worldwide. Focus Diagnostics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (Madison, FJ, USA). Focus Diagnostics plans to add additional multiplex antibody and antigen detection panels to the Plexus Multi-Analyte Diagnostics line of immunoassay in 2008. The Plexus parasite kit received CE marking in Europe.

Related Links:
Focus Diagnostics
U.S Food and Drug Administration
Quest Diagnostics