Least likely to develop heterophile antibodies to EBV?

Least likely to develop heterophile antibodies to EBV?

• A. Adults
• B. Adolescents
• C. Children
• D. Infants

Answer: (C)

Heterophile antibodies are the antibodies detected by the Monospot test and are produced in response to EBV infection. The likelihood of forming these antibodies varies with age because the immune system’s response changes as children grow. Adolescents and adults with infectious mononucleosis due to EBV typically mount a robust heterophile antibody response, so the test is often positive in this group. In younger children, the heterophile antibody response is less reliable and many EBV infections are Monospot-negative, meaning they don’t develop detectable heterophile antibodies. Among the groups listed, children are therefore the least likely to produce detectable heterophile antibodies to EBV. If EBV infection is suspected in a child with a negative Monospot, EBV-specific serologies (such as VCA IgM/IgG) can help confirm the diagnosis.

Heterophile antibodies are the antibodies detected by the Monospot test and are produced in response to EBV infection. The likelihood of forming these antibodies varies with age because the immune system’s response changes as children grow. Adolescents and adults with infectious mononucleosis due to EBV typically mount a robust heterophile antibody response, so the test is often positive in this group. In younger children, the heterophile antibody response is less reliable and many EBV infections are Monospot-negative, meaning they don’t develop detectable heterophile antibodies. Among the groups listed, children are therefore the least likely to produce detectable heterophile antibodies to EBV. If EBV infection is suspected in a child with a negative Monospot, EBV-specific serologies (such as VCA IgM/IgG) can help confirm the diagnosis.