To ask a medical doctor to translate these results to a yes/no for me

[Moonraker37]

Ok, I know I am as I should be patient and wait for my doctors appt, which is a month away. I've been tested for the Epstein-Barr virus, glandular fever. The GP said the test will show if I have had it in the past(I have, years ago) but also if it is active now. I had my results sent through today and I'm not clear what they are. I'd like to know if I have the virus now as I've been unwell for almost two months. I've copied and pasted below and hope someone can help.


Epstein-Barr virus serology Virology Serology Results
Specimen type: Clotted Blood.
Epstein Barr Nuclear antigen antibody POSITIVE
Epstein Barr virus Capsid antibody POSITIVE
Epstein Barr Capsid IgM Antibody Negative

[TheDuchessOfArbroathsHat]

Sorry OP - I haven't got a scooby but I found this - may be of some help?

Virus Results

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

Mmm, im not a doctor but I do know that the IgM test for any disease is the one which looks for current infection. And that's the one on the list which says negative.

So I would say 99% sure that you don't have it now and that the positive antibodies are because you've had it in the past.

[MothertotheLordsofmisrule]

Yep same answer as WhoTheFuckIsSimon
You've had it in the past but not recently/currently

[MarmaladeAndEggs]

I think it means you've had a past infection (although it's a long time since I took immunology so don't take my word as gospel) but it's no longer active. Probably best to speak to your doctor though.

From what I remember, the IgM is only present if it's a current infection.

[Moonraker37]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. It's much appreciated. I was hoping it was active now to be honest to explain being unwell.

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

Sorry it's not the answer you wanted.

Have you had other stuff tested like thyroid, Vit d?

Is ME different to Epstein Barr? My brother has ME and I think the symptoms are very similar?? He's never had a positive blood test for it butbthe consultant said by process of elimination that's what he had. This was a few years ago though.

[thatorchidmoment]

The IgM result is negative, so that means you have been infected in the past with EBV, and have made antibodies to it, but the infection is not current. IgM is a 'fast acting' type of antibody that will kick in straight away to fight an infection, before your immune system makes more permanent antibodies that stay around to ward off another infection.

[Moonraker37]

I had a whole lot of bloods tested but not 100% sure what they were all for. They did all return with normal results apart from my blood count which was borderline. The GP also referred me to ENT. My apt is at the end of July. It just very much feels like glandular fever. Two months of a sore throat. I had a ten day course of antibiotics as I was initially diagnosed with Pharyngitis but my symptoms stayed. I'll just have to work on patience being a virtue!

Thanks again. I love MN!

[dillydotty]

When I had glandular fever antibiotics brought me out in a rash from head to toe.