Antibodies against non-structural antigens of Epstein-Barr virus in children with infectious mononucleosis
Najberg, G.
Medycyna Doswiadczalna i Mikrobiologia 35(1): 55-59
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8601 PMID: 6314071 Document Number: 215356
Antibodies against nonstructural antigens of Epstein-Barr virus were assayed in sera of children with infectious mononucleosis (IM). Antibodies for the soluble antigen (anti-S) were determined by the complement fixation test (CFT) and for the early antigen (anti-EA) by indirect immunofluorescence. The determinations were performed several times in the course of disease and after recovery. Anti-EA antibodies were detected in 58% of children in the acute phase of the disease and 3-12 mo. after onset of the disease. These antibodies were present in 84% of children up to 5 and in 39% of children 5-13 yrs of age. Antibodies detectable by the CFT developed late and reached titers of 1:4-1:32 most frequently 6-9 mo. after onset of the disease. Thus, determination of EA antibodies might be an additional diagnostic test for IM; detection of anti-S antibodies by CFT might be of diagnostic importance in an evaluation of relapses of the disease.