. EBV is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and is also associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
. The virus is mainly transmitted by saliva; however, sexual
transmission, transmission by transplantation, or blood products
containing lymphocytes has been shown.
. Diagnosis of IM may be suspected from the triad of fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy together with hematologic findings.
. EBV IgM antibodies indicate an acute primary or recent infection, while EBV IgG antibodies indicate past or acute primary infection.
. Testing for both IgM and IgG is particularly important for reliable infection stage determination.