Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr virus (named after the scientists Michael Epstein and Yvonne Barr who discovered it) is one of the most common human viruses belonging to the subfamily of gammaherpesviruses. It is the main etiological factor in the development of infectious mononucleosis.

Etiology and pathophysiology

Like other members of the herpesvirus family, the virus is transmitted through saliva during close contact (the so-called “kissing disease”). After entering the oropharynx, the virus penetrates the epithelial cells of the mucous membranes, where it actively replicates, and subsequently infects B-lymphocytes (immune cells responsible for antibody production).

After infection, the virus remains in the person for life, mainly in B-lymphocytes. Throughout life, there is periodic spontaneous asymptomatic shedding of the virus with saliva.

Clinical significance

In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic. However, children in younger age groups and adolescents develop classic infectious mononucleosis.

It manifests with the following symptoms:

• persistent high fever;
• tonsillitis with dense deposits on the tonsils;
• lymphadenopathy (enlargement of lymph nodes);
• hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen).

The rupture of an enlarged spleen due to trauma is a rare but life-threatening complication.

There is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus has demonstrated oncogenic potential.

Patients with various immune disorders are at risk of developing EBV-associated oncological diseases, such as:

• various lymphomas;
• nasopharyngeal carcinoma.