Epstein–Barr

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), formally known as Human gammaherpesvirus 4, is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family, and is one of the most common viruses in humans.

Overview

EBV is best known as the cause of Infectious mononucleosis (mono or "the kissing disease"), but infection with EBV is often asymptomatic and is associated with a variety of non-malignant, malignant, and autoimmune diseases.

Transmission

EBV is most commonly transmitted through bodily fluids, primarily saliva. However, it can also be spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

Symptoms

Infection with EBV is characterized by fatigue, fever, inflamed throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, enlarged spleen, swollen liver, or rash. Many people become infected with EBV in childhood and display few or no symptoms.

Diseases associated with EBV

EBV is associated with various diseases, including infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, gastric cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, multiple sclerosis, and lymphomatoid granulomatosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of EBV infection is based on symptoms and supported by laboratory testing, including serologic testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemistry.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for EBV. Most cases of infectious mononucleosis caused by EBV are self-limiting and only require symptomatic treatment.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent EBV infection. Prevention of EBV transmission is difficult as the virus can be spread by asymptomatic carriers.

See also

• Herpesviridae
• Herpesvirus
• Mononucleosis
• Lymphoma

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