Which serologic finding supports acute EBV infection in the described patient?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Study for the Success! In Clinical Laboratory Science – Immunology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which serologic finding supports acute EBV infection in the described patient?

Explanation:
Acute EBV infection triggers an IgM response against EBV, usually detectable as anti-viral capsid antigen (anti-VCA) IgM early in illness. This IgM appears during the acute phase and wanes as IgG rises, so its presence strongly indicates a current or very recent EBV infection. EBV IgG alone can reflect a past infection or a later stage of the current infection, but it does not confirm that the infection is acute. Finding CMV-specific antibodies (IgM or IgG) points to CMV infection, not EBV. So the best evidence for an acute EBV infection is EBV-specific IgM positivity.

Acute EBV infection triggers an IgM response against EBV, usually detectable as anti-viral capsid antigen (anti-VCA) IgM early in illness. This IgM appears during the acute phase and wanes as IgG rises, so its presence strongly indicates a current or very recent EBV infection. EBV IgG alone can reflect a past infection or a later stage of the current infection, but it does not confirm that the infection is acute. Finding CMV-specific antibodies (IgM or IgG) points to CMV infection, not EBV. So the best evidence for an acute EBV infection is EBV-specific IgM positivity.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy