Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, herpes virus type 4) belongs to the subfamily of gammaherpesviruses. According to WHO, more than 90% of the world's population is infected by EBV. The virus spreads through bodily fluids, mainly saliva. EBV can also be transmitted through sexual and bloodborne routes, including blood transfusion and organ transplants.

The most well-known and well-studied manifestation of Epstein-Barr virus is infectious mononucleosis. The primary infection predominantly affects young children. Statistically, 50% of the population carries infectious mononucleosis during childhood and adolescence. In people over 30-40 years of age, the disease occurs in under 1% of cases.

The incubation period ranges from 4 to 7 weeks. The clinical picture of infectious mononucleosis is represented by acute tonsillitis, polymphadenopathy, subclinical hepatitis and virus-induced patchy papular rash after taking penicillin-based drugs. The clinical syndrome forms within 5-7 days.

Frequent complications of the disease (more than 1% of cases) include airway obstruction, meningoencephalitis, hemolytic anemia, streptococcal pharyngitis, and thrombocytopenia. Rare complications include conjunctivitis, hemophagocytic syndrome, myocarditis, pancreatitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, pneumonitis, and splenic rupture. Development of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis is also possible.