EBV-VCA IgM ELISA

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus in the Herpesviridae family, widely studied for its ability to establish lifelong latent infection in B lymphocytes. Primary infection often occurs in childhood and is asymptomatic, but infection during adolescence or adulthood can present as infectious mononucleosis. EBV encodes viral capsid antigens (VCA) that elicit both IgM and IgG responses. IgM anti-VCA is typically produced early in infection, peaks during acute phases, and declines as IgG production increases. The virus’s ability to enter latency and periodically reactivate makes it a valuable model for studying host–virus interactions, latency mechanisms, and humoral immune kinetics. Researchers use IgM VCA serology in longitudinal studies of immune activation and viral reactivation patterns across populations.