Epstein Barr Virus IgG Antibody

EBV IgG positive means you have antibodies showing past exposure to Epstein–Barr virus. IgG usually appears weeks after infection and persists long-term, indicating prior infection rather than current acute illness (which would show IgM). It doesn’t rule out rare reactivation—especially with immunosuppression—so consult your clinician if you have symptoms or need testing to assess active infection.

If you test positive for EBV, it may mean a current or past infection—IgM suggests recent infection, IgG past exposure. Acute EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue; most recover with rest, fluids and pain relief. Rare complications include hepatitis, spleen enlargement or neurologic issues. Avoid contact sports if the spleen is enlarged and seek care for severe symptoms.

IgM and IgG antibodies to Epstein–Barr virus indicate different stages. IgM appears early in acute primary infection (detectable within days–weeks), signaling recent or current infection and usually disappears after weeks to a few months. IgG develops later, persists long-term, and indicates past infection or convalescence; certain IgG patterns (e.g., EBNA) confirm prior infection rather than active disease.

EBV-specific IgG antibodies usually appear after acute infection and remain detectable for many years—often for life. VCA‑IgG and EBNA‑IgG typically persist indefinitely, indicating past exposure; titers can fluctuate and may rise with viral reactivation, but antibodies generally don’t disappear. Serologic patterns help distinguish recent from past infection rather than guarantee absolute protection against reactivation.

Most people needn't panic: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is extremely common and often causes mild or no symptoms. It can cause infectious mononucleosis with fever, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue, which usually resolves with rest and fluids. Serious complications are uncommon; seek medical review for severe throat pain, difficulty breathing, jaundice, marked abdominal pain (enlarged spleen), or symptoms lasting more than two to three weeks.

No. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common viral infection, not an autoimmune disease. It infects and persists in B cells and causes infectious mononucleosis; it can also increase the risk of or trigger autoimmune conditions (for example multiple sclerosis and lupus) through immune system disruption. EBV is linked to certain cancers and chronic complications but remains a viral, not autoimmune, condition.