Meaning - Lab results

[darryc]

Hi,

I just had two tests perform one month apart and got the following results (both test gave the same results):

EBV Ab VCA, IgM                   In Range
EBV Early Antigen Ab, IgG      1.4 (out fo range)
EBV Ab BCA, IgG                   >5.0
EBV Nuclear Antigen Ab, IgG   >5.0

I was wondering if it means I have chronic EBV ? If so, is there anything I can do? any precaution or treatment?
I read that 20% of ebv-infected population kept the EBV EA active for several years or permanently.
Is there any risk? I heard bout Lupus / lyme or other cancer...

In terms of symptoms, I experience the following:  
feel exhausted almost permanently
dizziness
weakness.

Thank you for your help!

[9DodgeFan]

When I had recovered from the initial bout of mono (about 3 weeks), I started my physical workouts again, starting where I had left off.  Within a week, the mono/EBV symptoms had returned, and this time it took me much longer (around a year) to get over it.  So in my case, doing physical activity before my body had a chance to completely recover was a major factor in causing a relapse.  I know it's frustrating, especially if you want to be physically active, but you really just need to take the time and let your body get LOTS of rest.

[darryc]

Thanks for your answers and help.
I will follow up with my doc (even if he has been extremely alarmist and was a bit scary with possible associated diseases).
The funny thing is I dont remember ever having the severe infection you mentioned (that would have been the primary). Anyway, as you said I guess it does not really matter.
Do you know if physical activities (Work out / Running) can make the symptoms more severe (fatigue,...)?

Thank you again and take care!

[9DodgeFan]

I'm not a doctor, so your best bet would be to ask him/her these questions.  However, I'll try to answer them as best I can:
1.  I wouldn't really expect the numbers to stay the same for much longer than they have for you (about a month and a half, based on what you said).  Everyone is different though, so I'm sure it's not outside the realm of possibility.
2.  As far as I know, nothing has been definitively linked to EBV.  The link I hear mentioned the most is CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), but even that's debatable.  What's more likely, when dealing with EBV, is that it can be exacerbated by other sicknesses, which could potentially take a lot longer for your body to recover from.
3.  LOTS of rest, as much as you can.  I think vitamins (One a Day for me) and eating healthy can also help, but rest is by far the most important step you can take.
4.  Given your test results, it looks like a fairly recent infection.  If you feel you've been dealing with it for longer than that though, then it's probably not a primary infection.  Given your age ( >90% of people have contracted EBV by age 30), and the fact that you've been dealing with this for a while, the odds are against it being a new infection.  Also, if it was a recent infection, I think your symptoms would be more severe (including fever, very sore throat).  So I think it sounds like a re-activation, or just an extended bout of mono/EBV.  Either way, it doesn't really matter (since they're basically the same thing); what matters is that you have it, and the best way to get "over" it is to get lots of rest!  Hope that helps, and feel free to ask more questions!

[darryc]

Hi,

Thanks for your feedback.
Well, I have not done anything special to fight EBV...had acyclovir for 3 weeks but didnt feel any differences.
I am not sure it is a recent infection, I had two tests (Beginning of April and Mid May) that give me exactly the same results (slight increase for EBV EA: 1.39 (april) to 1.41(May)). the IGM were neg in both test.

I never really notice a huge change in my symptoms (am 30 years old)...cannot put a date on the day it started...I went to a doctor for a standard visit this winter because of persistent throat pain.
I just thought it was a normal flu or pharyngintis and he suggested I test for EBV which came back Positive)...
I actually experience today throat pain again (wonder if it is in my head or caused by AC - :) )

I just wonder:
1. Is it normal that EBV EA level remains the same? Is this a high level (1.4)? does it actually matter?
2. Is there any risks? Cancer, Autoimmune disease, Lupus, Lyme...(this is what the doc mentioned when EBV EA is present)
3. What can I do to deal with fatigue and weakness? Any recommendations on what I should do?
4. Am I experiencing a reactivation? Do i have the chronic EBV?IS it a primary infection?

The doc only advised me to come back in few months to get re-tested and check the level for EBV...I did not insist as I dont feel too bad and was used to fatigue.

Thanks for your help again!

[9DodgeFan]

Hi, these results indicate a recent infection, but it's impossible to tell how long of an ordeal it is based on the test results.  How long have you been dealing with these symptoms?  And are you doing anything (rest, medications, etc.) to combat the EBV?