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Can Monospot Result Be False Positive For Epstein-Barr Virus?
Question: My daughter, 17, tested positive with mono spot, but then the Epstein Barr came back negative while blood work showed low white count and low platelets. What might this mean....? obviously I'm thinking the worst....he initial tests were done by emergent care, and we have call into the pediatrician...
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I can understand your concern. But it may not be "the worst" (I imagine you are thinking lymphoma or leukemia or an autoimmune disorder). There can be false positive mono spot tests caused by other infectious agents such as CMV (cytomegalovirus) which causes a mono-like illness and is not more devastating than EBV. Influenza and varicella can also cause a positive mono spot.
Another possibility is that it is EBV but the antibody test that was used only tested for IgG antibody to EBV, and it may be too early for that antibody to have formed. However, if it tested for IgM and that was negative as well, then it likely is not an infection with EBV as IgM antibodies are formed in the initial phases of mono.
So - do follow up with her doctor. But it may not be the worst.
By the way, any acute viral infection can cause decreased white blood count and platelets but usually not severely so. If these are significantly low, then this needs to be monitored closely and special precautions (avoidance of exposure to infections) needs to be taken. But mild decreases are just typical of being sick with an infection.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I can understand your concern. But it may not be "the worst" (I imagine you are thinking lymphoma or leukemia or an autoimmune disorder). There can be false positive mono spot tests caused by other infectious agents such as CMV (cytomegalovirus) which causes a mono-like illness and is not more devastating than EBV. Influenza and varicella can also cause a positive mono spot.
Another possibility is that it is EBV but the antibody test that was used only tested for IgG antibody to EBV, and it may be too early for that antibody to have formed. However, if it tested for IgM and that was negative as well, then it likely is not an infection with EBV as IgM antibodies are formed in the initial phases of mono.
So - do follow up with her doctor. But it may not be the worst.
By the way, any acute viral infection can cause decreased white blood count and platelets but usually not severely so. If these are significantly low, then this needs to be monitored closely and special precautions (avoidance of exposure to infections) needs to be taken. But mild decreases are just typical of being sick with an infection.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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