Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses in humans. Most often it is the cause of the so-called kissing disease, or mononucleosis. However, according to scientists' research, EBV plays a large role in the process of cancer formation. What is EBV and what diseases can it cause? How can you get infected with it? Who is most at risk from it?

Epstein-Barr virus( EBV ), otherwisehuman herpesvirus 4 , belongs to the herpes virus family (LatinHerpesviridae ), or herpes viruses, and one of the most common viruses in humans. According to the research conducted so far, it is the most common cause of mononucleosis, i.e. the disease of kisses. It is also believed that EBV plays a large role in the process of cancer formation as well as in the pathogenesis of depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Epstein-Barr virus - how do you get infected?

EBV is spread mainly through contact with saliva. After entering the body, it infects only certain types of cells: epithelial cells in the mouth and throat (new viral subunits are also formed there, hence the way of infection), and then white blood cells (B lymphocytes). Some research studies suggest that the virus is also transmitted sexually, as well as through blood transfusions.

Epstein-Barr virus - symptoms of infection

An estimated 80-90% of the adult population is infected with EBV, with most of them either asymptomatic or indistinguishable from other diseases associated with elevated temperature, headache and weakness. For the rest of the people, primary infection can cause mononucleosis. Then, enlarged lymph nodes appear on the neck and nape and a severe sore throat. Surviving the disease means acquiring permanent immunity to the Epstein-Barr virus. However, you are a carrier for the rest of your life - the EBV virus remains in the body in a latent form.

Epstein-Barr virus - complications

A more serious complication of infectious mononucleosis is spleen rupture. Epstein-Barr virus infection may also be associated with the development of certain cancers.

Epstein-Barr virus and cancer

Epstein-Barr virus hascarcinogenic potential and may be the cause of numerous neoplastic diseases. People with a properly functioning immune system rarely develop complications from EBV infection. However, in those undergoing immunosuppression, such as organ transplants, or those with AIDS, the risk of developing cancer is increased.

EBV is one of the suspects in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

Epstein-Barr virus is associated primarily with B-cell lymphoma. It also contributes to the most common complication in transplant patients, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. There is also a significant relationship between the history of EBV infection and the development of a malignant tumor of the immune system - the so-called Burkitt lymphoma.

Some scientists say the virus is involved in the development of cancer of the stomach, tonsil and tongue cancer. The virus also attacks squamous cells that line the mouth and throat, so the increase in nasopharyngeal cancer is likely to be related to EBV. It is believed that the pathogen may also contribute to the development of oral leukoplakia and Hodgkin's disease, known as Hodgkin's disease.

Australian scientists from the University of New South Wales in Sydney have observed that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), together with a carcinogenic type of human papillomavirus (HPV), can cause prostate cancer. Researchers suspect that the two viruses may cooperate with each other in the process of cancer formation.

EBV virus - research

Lymphocyte counts, hepatic and heterophile antibody analysis, and serological tests are the basic tests that are performed to diagnose EBV infection.

EBV - treatment

Treatment of diseases caused by EBV involves relieving their symptoms. Causal treatment is not possible because antiviral drugs do not work on EBV.

Category:

Infectious diseases