AC-10. Wrestling “mono-a-mono” with the Laboratory Diagnosis of EBV Infection
Originally Presented: September 17, 2008
Speaker: Mario Marcon

Summary of Session: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the major cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM), is a ubiquitous viral agent with seroprevalence rates >90% in adults in Western societies. Although it is believed that laboratory diagnosis of IM using serologic tests that detect either heterophile antibodies or specific antibodies to EBV-specific antigens is straightforward, issues do arise. These issues may relate to either failure of individuals to produce detectable antibodies of a particular class or to limitations of the serologic test methods themselves. This teleconference will examine these diagnostic issues by a comparison of heterophile antibody tests with EBV-antigen specific antibody tests including IFA, EIA, and newer multiplexed bead-based (Luminex®) assays. The role of quantitative nucleic acid-based amplification tests in evaluation of immunocompetent individuals with suspected primary EBV infection will also be examined.

Objectives: Upon completion of this Teleconference, participants should be able to:

• Identify the epidemiology and disease spectrum associated with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection;
• Describe the pros and cons of traditional and newer laboratory methods used for serodiagnosis of primary EBV infection (infectious mononucleosis) in the immunocompetent host; and
• Examine the role of quantitative nucleic acid-based amplification testing for EBV in immunocompetent individuals. 

Intended Audience: Microbiology/virology/ serology laboratory directors. supervisors, technologists

CME Disclosures: The Presenter has nothing to disclose.

Termination of CME Credit: This program will not be eligible for CME/CE credit after September 17, 2009