What does EBV VCA IgG positive mean?
Presence of VCA IgM antibodies indicates recent primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The presence of VCA IgG antibodies indicates infection sometime in the past. Antibodies to EBNA develop 6 to 8 weeks after primary infection and are detectable for life.
What does high IgG Epstein-Barr mean?
In general, rising VCA-IgG levels tend to indicate an active EBV infection, while falling concentrations tend to indicate a recent EBV infection that is resolving.
What happens if I test positive for EBV?
Once you have EBV, the virus lives in an inactive stage in your body. In some cases, the virus may reactivate, again with few or no symptoms. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to EBV reactivation and more likely to develop symptoms.
How did I get Epstein-Barr virus?
Transmission. EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, EBV can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations. EBV can be spread by using objects, such as a toothbrush or drinking glass, that an infected person recently used.
What does Epstein-Barr virus do to the body?
EBV infection can affect a person’s blood and bone marrow. The virus can cause the body to produce an excessive number of white blood cells called lymphocytes (lymphocytosis). EBV can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infection.
Is Epstein-Barr virus a STD?
Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But that’s not to say that all cases of mono are STIs. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis as you might hear your doctor call it, is a contagious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family.
Is Epstein Barr an autoimmune disease?
Epstein-Barr infects B cells—a type of white blood cell in the immune system. This may explain the association between Epstein-Barr and the EBNA2 disorders: All seven are autoimmune diseases, conditions involving an abnormal immune response to a normal body part.
Is Epstein Barr an STD?
In cases where it is passed through sexual contact, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although mono is more often spread through contact with saliva. EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, along with the viruses that cause herpes and chickenpox.
Does Epstein Barr stay with you forever?
After you recover, EBV will remain dormant in your blood cells for the rest of your life. This means that your symptoms will go away, but the virus will stay in your body and can occasionally reactivate without causing symptoms.
Does Epstein-Barr virus ever go away?
EBV never truly goes away. Even if the symptoms subside, the virus will remain inactive inside your body until it is reactivated by a trigger. Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause.
Can you be cured of Epstein-Barr?
Although no medicine can cure an EBV infection, you can take these steps at home to ease your symptoms: Get plenty of rest. Drink a lot of water and other liquids to stay hydrated. Suck on lozenges or ice pops, or gargle with warm salt water, to make your sore throat feel better.
What foods should you avoid with Epstein-Barr virus?
Sugary and processed foods will trigger inflammation in the body, worsening symptoms such as a sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and liver inflammation. High carbohydrate foods (sugar and processed wheat) can also cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, leaving you tired, grumpy and craving sugar.
Is Epstein Barr serious?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause illnesses and complications aside from infectious mononucleosis. People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe symptoms and complications from EBV infection. They may also have more severe illness caused by EBV infection.