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. 2000 May;7(3):451–456. doi: 10.1128/cdli.7.3.451-456.2000

TABLE 3.

Generally accepted criteria for EBV antibody patternsa

Condition EBV antibody patterns usually obtained Test for heterophile antibodies
Primary EBV infection +/+/−, +/−/−, −/+/−, +/+/+b +
Earlier EBV infection −/+/+, −/−/+ (for Biotest)
EBV reactivation +/+/+b, +/−/+ (for Biotest)
a

The order of analysis is VCA/EA IgM, VCA/EA IgG, and EBNA IgG. 

b

Similar antibody patterns due to primary infection and reactivation may occur.