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Living Donation Discussion and News => Living Donation Forum => Topic started by: ejonshult on February 07, 2012, 09:23:45 PM

Title: tested positive for Epstein Barr virus - can I donate kidney?
Post by: ejonshult on February 07, 2012, 09:23:45 PM

Hi,

I just found out today that I have an active Epstein Barr virus infection.  I guess the test is called EBV IgG Antibody test.  I guess it's mono.  Can I still donate?

I'm kind of bummed since I was counting on donating.  I tried searching online and I found out that 90% of adults have the Epstein Barr virus, but I guess I have an active infection.

Anyone know anything about this issue?

Thanks,
Eva

Title: Re: tested positive for Epstein Barr virus - can I donate kidney?
Post by: Karol on February 07, 2012, 11:11:30 PM

I think that you'd be able to donate if the recipient already had EBV antibodies.
This is an older article, not sure if there's new info since this http://www.transplantliving.org/community/news.aspx?id=367

Title: Re: tested positive for Epstein Barr virus - can I donate kidney?
Post by: Orchidlady on February 08, 2012, 07:26:28 AM

They should test for both EBV and CMV (cytomegalovirus) in both you and your recipient. As Karol said, both of these are very common viruses that most individuals have as children, and in many cases not realize it. They are both like the chicken pox virus in that you never get rid of it - it just goes into hiding. They test not with an eye to dismiss you as a donor, but as protection for your recipient. Because of the immunosuppressants, if the recipient has not had either of the viruses, the potential exists for them sero-convert form your kidney if you have tested positive. Both viruses can be more of a problem to them as an adult and immunosuppressed individual. The transplant team needs to be aware if your recipient is negative so they can look for signs and properly control the virus after transplant. My husband and I were both EBV positive, but I was CMV positive and he was CMV negative. For 9 months after transplant he took an anti viral (Valcyte) to keep the CMV at bay. They knew he would get CMV -that they could not control. So what they did control was the timing and get him farther out from transplant- once the anti viral was stopped, he started exhibiting CMV symptoms and they then began to work with his medication to control control the virus and put it "back in hiding".
Hope this eases your mind, Eva.