Studies on the diagnostic value of an immunofluorescence test for EB virus-specific IgM

Abstract

A modification of the test for EB virus/IgM introduced by Schmitz and Scherer (1972) is described. It is simple and gives reproducible results. EB virus/IgM was demonstrated in all but one case of infectious mononucleosis and in students with minor illness shown to have acquired EB virus/IgG recently. Unlike the EB virus/IgG, the IgM disappears within a few months. Although the Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test is still the test of choice for the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis, the EB virus/IgM test could be useful to establish a diagnosis of current or recent EB virus infection where the Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test was negative or equivocal.