Herpes/Epstein Barr Virus

Question 1

How is Epstein Barr virus transmitted?

Answer 1

Saliva.

Question 2

What are the acute clinical manifestations of Epstein Barr virus?

Answer 2

Infectious mononucleosis (swollen lymph nodes; increased lymphs).

Question 3

What are the chronic clinical manifestations of Epstein Barr virus?

Answer 3

Burkitt’s lymphoma; nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Question 4

Herpes virus targets epithelial cells of the throat and B cells which induces what?

Answer 4

Polyclonal B cell activation.

Question 5

What EBV antigens are considered Early antigens?

Answer 5

EA-D and EA-R, diffuse and restricted, respectively.

Question 6

What EBV antigens are considered late antigens?

Answer 6

Viral capsid antigens (VCA).

Question 7

What EBV antigens are considered latent-phase antigens?

Answer 7

EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA).

Question 8

What testing method is gold standard for EBV testing?

Answer 8

Immunofluorescence testing.

Question 9

Describe the procedure of IFA testing for EBV.

Answer 9

EBV infected cells are fixed to a slide; patient serum is added and washed; FI tagged AHG is added and washed; fluorescence is detected.

Question 10

What are other testing techniques used for EPV testing?

Answer 10

Blot, ELISA, CLIA, flow cytometric microbead immunoassays.

Question 11

What are the benefits of using flow cytometry for EBV testing?

Answer 11

It is automated and easier to interpret.