The Epstein-Barr virus is the causative agent of herpes infection, mononucleosis, and cancer. Primary EBV infection is acute, resembling SARS, hepatitis and lymphadenitis. Need diagnosis and treatment

The human herpes virus (HHV) has 8 types. Each strain has the ability to integrate into the host's DNA and exist there for the rest of its life, periodically provoking infectious diseases. However, the danger is caused by the Barr-Epstein virus (EBV), which plays a role in the formation of a tumor, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses a threat to the fetus of a pregnant woman.

The English professor M. A. Epstein, whose surname in Russian sounds like Epstein, and in English - Epstein, in 1960 became interested in the report of the surgeon D. Burkitt. In it, the doctor described cancer, which is common among children living in a moderately humid hot climate.

Mike Anthony Epstein, along with his graduate student Yvonne Barr, worked on samples taken from a tumor until, in 1964, they discovered a previously unknown virion and designated it HHV-4. Later, herpes began to be called the Epstein Barr EBV virus in honor of the scientists who discovered the pathogen. Sometimes, due to a slight similarity between the names Einstein (Einstein) and Epstein, or a misreading of it, the name “Einstein virus” or “Einstein Barr virus” is found on the Internet.

Characteristics of VEB

The virion is the type species of the genus Lymphocryptovirus, belonging to the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae. A distinctive feature of the Epstein virus from other herpes is its lymphotropism. That is, it prefers lymphocytes and cells of lymphatic tissue, but successfully multiplies in the blood, brain elements. The Epstein virus is primarily found in epithelial cells of the pharynx, nose, oral cavity, tonsils, adenoids, and salivary glands.

Herpes mainly affects children after a year and young people, and a person older than 35 years of age, as a rule, gets sick again with a relapse. If a woman overcame the Epstein Barr and Cytomegalovirus viruses before pregnancy and managed to acquire immunity, the presence of an antigen in the mother's body no longer poses a direct threat to the embryo.

The source of the spread of EBV becomes a carrier of herpes or a person who has previously had an infection. Once on the mucosa, the virion attaches to the epithelium, and eventually penetrates to the lymphocytes. The Epstein virus adheres with its shell to the cell and combines with it, causing the element to deform. The damaged lymphocyte turns into an atypical mononuclear cell and, during the initial infection, can hide in the system for a long time without causing signs of infection.

Infects the virus of another person by aerosol or contact mode of transmission. That is, by airborne droplets, with kisses, intercourse without a condom, together with donor biomaterial - blood, organ, bone marrow, during pregnancy, transplacental or during childbirth, if the child swallows cervical mucus. All types of herpes are transmitted in a similar way, including Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.

With a weakened defense of the body or immunodeficiency, EBV begins intensive replication and during 2-60 days of the incubation period of the virus, the infection turns into one of the diseases accompanied by a mononucleosis-like syndrome. Treatment is carried out for 14-180 days or longer if a relapse occurs, or EBV provoked severe consequences.

Epstein Barr virus can cause the development of such a pathology:

• nasopharyngeal carcinoma;
• hepargin;
• Burkitt's lymphoma, other cancers belonging to this group;
• multiple sclerosis;
• tumors with localization in the salivary glands, tonsils, nasopharynx, gastrointestinal tract and other organs;
• undifferentiated cancer;
• hairy leukoplakia;
• viral hepatitis;
• Epstein Barr herpes;
• immune deficiency;
• infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever);
• syndromes: mononucleosis-like, post-transplant proliferative, chronic fatigue, others.

Virus infection or disease caused by EBV can result in the patient's death or adverse effects. For example: latent or chronic form of EBV, development of autoimmune systemic pathologies, hemolytic disorders, meningitis, myelitis, pneumonia. Epstein Barr virus (EBV) also affects the heart muscle, central nervous system, and kidneys.

Once having been ill with an infection caused by herpes, a person remains its carrier for life. With a decrease in immunity, reactivation of the pathogenic microbe is possible, since today physicians do not have the opportunity to completely destroy the DNA of the virus in the patient's tissues.

Symptoms of EBV infection

Initially, the HHV-4 virus is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. Its primary signs are an increase in the lymph nodes of all groups accessible to palpation, as well as in the spleen and liver, pain in the throat and upper abdomen. The culmination of the infection begins with a sharp jump in temperature up to 38–40 ° C, general intoxication, inflammation of the tonsils, fever, shortness of breath, purulent discharge from the nasopharynx, sometimes a rash or yellowness of the skin appears.

A sharp increase in internal organs can lead to rupture of the spleen membrane or death, which is why the Epstein-Barr virus is dangerous in mononucleosis.

If the treatment method is incorrectly chosen or the person has weak immunity, the disease can develop into a chronic form. In this case, EBV infection acquires an erased, recurrent, generalized, or atypical variant of the course. Chronic Epstein-Barr virus is always accompanied by symptoms such as cough, migraine, arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue, intense sweating, mental and sleep disorders, memory loss. A person always has enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, liver.

VEB diagnostics

For early detection of the virus, it is recommended to conduct a clinical analysis of the biomaterial. Blood sampling is done on an empty stomach, when the patient last ate 8 hours ago. With PCR diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction), a nuclear, early and capsid antigen is detected in the blood serum even during the incubation of the virus.

In the prodromal period, atypical mononuclear cells more than 10%, as well as IgG, IgM antibodies, are detected by serological testing - ELISA, ICLA. If the infection culminates, hemolytic changes are seen in the general blood test. The percentage of damaged lymphocytes and healthy cells indicates the stage of VEBI, and the results will be explained by the attending physician when deciphering the analysis.

PCR diagnostics - the determination of the Epstein-Barr virus in the patient's biological fluids also helps to determine the activity of the infectious process.

When examining a person with chronic EBV infection, such an indicator as reflecting the nature of the relationship between the “antigen-antibody” complex is quite informative. This laboratory test allows you to determine the duration of the disease and the approximate timing of infection.

Pregnant women require complex diagnostics: examination for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, syphilis and a number of others. This approach allows you to suspect in time and prevent the negative consequences of microbial activity.

EBV therapy

If the Epstein virus provoked cancer or a tumor, the patient is placed in an oncology dispensary, and the oncologist, surgeon, and other specialists select the treatment together. In the case when VEBI caused serious complications or proceeds in a severe form, the patient is hospitalized in the infectious diseases department and the therapy appropriate to the clinical case is prescribed.

When bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci) are connected to EBV, non-penicillin antibiotics are prescribed. Cefazolin, Tetracycline, Sumamed showed effectiveness against the Epstein-Barr virus. Doctors may also prescribe (Pentaglobin). If a viral infection is severe, the appointment of drugs with an antiviral effect is practiced. Currently, there is no reliable specific treatment, but the patient can take antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Zovirax, Valtrex), interferon preparations or its inducers (Isoprinosine, Cycloferon, Arbidol).

A patient with VEBI should:

• treat the pharynx with antiseptics (furatsilin, chlorophyllipt, sage);
• bury the nose with vasoconstrictors;
• drink multivitamin complexes (Multivitamin, Alphabet);
• take antihistamines (Fenkarol, Tavegil).

For pathologies that provoke the Epstein virus, you need bed rest and a Pevzner diet No. 5, even if the doctor allowed you to undergo treatment at home. It is necessary to exclude black bread, fried, fatty, smoked, spicy and sour dishes, legumes, mushrooms from the diet. You need to drink more non-carbonated water, compotes cooked from dried fruits, fruit and vegetable and berry juices, decoctions from medicinal herbs and rose hips.

Conclusion

If the Epstein Barr virus is detected during the diagnosis, help the immune system cope with the infection on its own. To do this, it is recommended to seek the advice of a doctor and find out the methods of dealing with HHV-4, the prevention of reinfection. The specialist will select drugs that have the ability to inhibit viruses and bacilli in mixed forms of infection. The doctor will also recommend a date for a control blood donation for the presence of atypical mononuclear cells and how to live, or rather, prevent the return of the infection so that a relapse does not occur.

The Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV for short, is the most common virus in humans. This herpesvirus infection can affect young children, ranging from a year old, schoolchildren, adolescents and adults.

If a baby encounters it after a year, the symptoms of the disease are mild, very similar to a mild flu. If the infection occurred after 2-3 years against the background of reduced immunity, the child develops a rich clinical picture.

Epstein-Barr virus in adolescents occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis. More than 90% of people on the planet are infected with this group of herpesviruses and are carriers of the disease.

The risk of infection with this virus in children is manifested by disorders of the brain, lymphatic system, liver and spleen. Consider the main causes, symptoms and consequences of the development of the Epstein-Barr virus.

Introduction to the Epstein-Barr virus

The virus was first identified by Michael Anthony Epstein in 1964 in collaboration with graduate student Yvonne M. Barr. The virus was discovered after examining samples of Burkitt's lymphoma tumors.

The samples were provided by surgeon Denis Parson. He studied the development of lymphoma in children younger than 7 years old living in Africa.

Epstein-Barr virus in children is transmitted by airborne droplets, through saliva, personal hygiene products, utensils, blood transfusions or transplants. After infection and recovery, a person usually develops strong immunity to this group of viruses.

Although neither a child nor an adult will be able to completely get rid of the presence of a virus in the body. Epstein-Barr virus in children and adults will be dormant after successful treatment.

Symptoms of the development of the Epstein-Barr virus

The first organs that become infected with the virus are the salivary glands, lymph nodes, and tonsils.

In the first years of a child's life after infection with a virus, the clinical picture does not manifest itself in any way or mild symptoms are noticeable, which often resemble a cold. Therefore, pediatricians are more likely to treat a cold than a virus.

If the infection enters the body of a child after 2 years, there may be an increase in lymph nodes, salivary glands, adenoids. In addition, the temperature rises to 37-38 degrees, the child feels weak, unwillingness to sleep or eat, frequent abdominal pains appear, the nasopharynx swells, nasal discharge may appear.

Possible consequences and diagnosis of the Epstein-Barr virus

If the infection in the child's body was acute and fast, most likely there will be violations of the kidneys, liver, spleen, and immune system.

Oncological processes can also develop in the lymph nodes, or other organs: cancer of the stomach, nasopharynx, colon or small intestine, oral mucosa.

In addition, the development of EBV in children can be the cause of not only enlarged lymph nodes, the development of lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis, but also permanent tonsillitis.

If the Epstein-Barr virus in children occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis, the characteristic symptoms may be: vomiting, soreness in the abdomen, rare stools, pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes, weakness and headache.

A child who has had mononucleosis may experience enlarged lymph nodes and problems with the liver, kidneys and spleen for a year and a half, tonsillitis and pharyngitis may occur.

It is especially dangerous to send a child for vaccination if he is infected with a virus - the unpredictability of the reaction puts the baby's life at risk.

Attention! If the child has the above symptoms and manifestations, please kindly check the child for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus!

How to diagnose a virus

To identify infection with a child's virus, it is necessary to donate blood and saliva for laboratory testing: complete blood count, biochemical blood test, immunogram, serological methods.

Epstein-Barr virus treatment

Effective methods of curing sick children infected with the Epstein-Barr virus do not exist today. Doctors can only eliminate the clinical manifestations and transfer the active infection to a latent phase, which is not terrible for the health of the child.

Infectious mononucleosis and virus-affected organs in the child's body are treated in a hospital. In addition, if there is still a chance that the virus may further affect the brain and vital organs, doctors prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, and means to relieve acute manifestations: relieve swelling in the nose, normal lymph outflow.

If there are slight enlargements of the lymph nodes and a slight swelling in the nasopharynx, treatment can be carried out by a pediatrician. In all other cases, observation and treatment is carried out by an infectious disease specialist.

Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein Barr virus) is a very common disease, similar in origin to the well-known herpes virus. In the literature, this virus can be found under the abbreviated form - EBV or VEBI.

It is dangerous because it provokes many diseases of the human body, in particular, the gastrointestinal tract, the central nervous system, as well as bacterial and fungal diseases, etc. Infection is fraught with serious complications for the whole organism.

Infection occurs through everyday contact, through saliva during kissing, and also through sexual contact.

Once in the body of a healthy person, the Epstein-Barr virus does not manifest itself immediately, but only after a month or two. During this time, it actively multiplies, and then "carries" the circulatory system throughout the body.

The highest concentration is in saliva: it is for this reason that there is a danger of becoming infected through a kiss, common dishes and through the use of other household items.

Symptoms

The external manifestation of infection is expressed:

• rise in temperature;
• the appearance of chills;
• general weakness;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• headaches;
• fast fatigue;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

Sometimes the presence in the body is asymptomatic.

With a weakened immune system, EBV can go into one of the chronic forms:

• Erased form. Signs: increase and prolonged retention of body temperature in the range of 37-38 degrees, increased fatigue, muscle and joint pain, drowsiness, enlarged lymph nodes.
• active form. Signs: recurrence of symptoms of mononucleosis (tonsillitis, fever, inflammation of the lymph, etc.) with complications on the background of fungal and bacterial infections. Possible herpetic formations on the skin, damage to the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain).
• generalized form. Signs: damage to the central nervous system, heart, lungs, liver.
• atypical form. Signs: recurrence of intestinal infections, diseases of the genitourinary system, repeated infections with acute respiratory infections. Diseases, as a rule, are of a protracted nature and are difficult to treat.

Infectious mononucleosis, known as Filatov's disease, is the most common manifestation of Epstein-Barr. This is a condition of the body similar to the common cold, when the patient has complaints of sore throat and fever. A severe form of leakage seriously affects the respiratory tract (up to pneumonia) and other internal organs, in particular the liver and spleen. If you do not seek medical help in time, the infection can be fatal. Children and adolescents are most often affected.

Diagnostics

Differentiate mononucleosis from similar diseases and detect the presence of EBV in the body using one of the following methods:

• Serological diagnosis. Allows you to set the titer of IgM antibodies, for example, a titer of 1:40 is typical for the symptoms of mononucleosis.
• Determination of the titer of specific antibodies. It is most often used in the study of children in whose bodies there are no heterophile antibodies.
• Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Allows you to identify various compounds based on the antigen-antibody reaction.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• cultural method. It is carried out by sowing virions on a nutrient surface for the purpose of subsequent analysis of drug resistance.

The last three techniques make it possible to detect DNA and even virus particles in blood or separately collected material.

It is important to know that in the chronic form, the PCR method can show the presence of antibodies to nuclear antigens (IgG-EBNA-1) in saliva. However, such a study is not enough to confirm the diagnosis, so immunologists conduct at least double testing of the entire spectrum of antibodies.

Treatment

To date, there are no treatment regimens for chronic Epstein-Barr virus. Severe forms are treated on an outpatient basis to protect a sick person from healthy people.

The first step is to take a course of antioxidants and detoxify the body. Then antiviral drugs and drugs to increase immunity are used. It is also important to observe the regime of rest, proper nutrition, refraining from drinking alcohol and smoking, etc.

It is recommended to undergo treatment in a hospital with regular clinical checks of blood counts (once a week or two). Biochemistry is carried out monthly (for certain indications - more often), and immunological examination - once every 30-60 days.

The generalized form is treated strictly in stationary conditions under the supervision of a neurologist.

Latent (erased) - can be treated on an outpatient basis.

As a rule, home treatment is based on taking interferon-alpha, to which, if necessary, antiviral drugs, immunoglobulins and immunocorrectors are connected.

It is important to know that carriers or so-called owners of "asymptomatic latent infection" should undergo laboratory control once a quarter, in particular, take a clinical blood test, biochemistry, and also undergo PCR and immunological examination.

It has been established that with a moderate form and in cases of latent infection, the effectiveness of therapy increases to 70-80%: it is possible not only to achieve a clinical effect, but also to suppress virus replication. In this case, the patient is recommended to conduct additional spa treatment.

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Epstein-Barr is very widespread in the human population. According to WHO, up to 90-95% of the population in various countries is infected with it. Once in the human body, the virus remains in it for life, because it cannot be completely destroyed, like other members of the herpes family. Due to the lifelong persistence of the virus in the body, an infected person is a carrier and source of infection until death.

The Epstein-Barr virus during primary infection penetrates the cells of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, where it multiplies and enters the bloodstream. After entering the bloodstream, the Epstein-Barr virus begins to attack the cells of the immune system - B-lymphocytes. It is B-lymphocytes that are the main target for the Epstein-Barr virus.

After penetration into B-lymphocytes, the Epstein-Barr virus leads to the transformation of the cell, which begins to multiply intensively and produce two types of antibodies. Transformed B-lymphocytes produce antibodies to the virus and to themselves. Due to the intensive reproduction of transformed B-lymphocytes, their number increases, and the cells fill the lymph nodes and spleen, provoking an increase in their size. Then these cells die, and the viruses are released into the blood. Antibodies to Epstein-Barr viruses form circulating immune complexes (CIC) with them, which are carried by the blood to all organs and tissues. CECs are very aggressive compounds, because once they get into any tissue or organ, they provoke the development of autoimmune inflammation. The consequence of this type of inflammation may be the development of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus;


• Rheumatoid arthritis ;


• Hashimoto's thyroiditis;

It is the development of autoimmune diseases that is one of the dangers of the Epstein-Barr virus.

The transformed lymphocytes themselves are destroyed by other types of immunocompetent cells. However, since B-lymphocytes themselves are cells of the immune system, their infection leads to immunodeficiency. This state of inferior immunity can lead to malignant degeneration of lymphocytic tissue, resulting in the formation of lymphomas and other tumors. In general, the danger of the Epstein-Barr virus lies in the fact that it affects the cells of the immune system, forming various conditions that can provoke the development of serious diseases. However, such severe diseases develop only if the cells that destroy infected B-lymphocytes cease to cope with their task.

So, the Epstein-Barr virus is dangerous because it can provoke the development of the following pathologies:

• Proliferative syndrome (Duncan's disease), in which a huge number of B-lymphocytes are formed, which can lead to rupture of the spleen, anemia, disappearance of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils from the blood. Proliferative syndrome on the background of immunodeficiency, as a rule, leads to death. In other cases, it is possible to save people's lives, but they subsequently develop anemia and lymphomas;



• Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy;


• hemophagocytic syndrome;


• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura;


• Aplastic or hemolytic anemia;


• DIC;


• thymoma;


• Hairy leukoplakia of the oral cavity;



• Burkitt's lymphoma;


• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;


• undifferentiated cancer of the nasopharynx;



• Lymphomas of the central nervous system;




• Bell's syndrome;


• Guillain-Barré syndrome;

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment in children and adults

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Epstein-Barr virus is a virus that belongs to the herpes family of viruses, the 4th type of herpes infection, is able to infect lymphocytes and other immune cells, the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, neurons of the central nervous system and almost all internal organs. In the literature, you can find the abbreviation VEB or VEB - infection.

Possible abnormalities in liver function tests in infectious mononucleosis:

1. 
   Increased transaminase levels several times:
   • ALT norm 10-40 IU/l,
   
   
   • AST norm 20-40 IU / l.
   
   
2. Increase in thymol test - the norm is up to 5 units.


3. Moderate increase in total bilirubin due to unbound or direct: the norm of total bilirubin is up to 20 mmol / l.


4. Increased alkaline phosphatase - the norm is 30-90 IU / l.

A progressive increase in indicators and an increase in jaundice may indicate the development of toxic hepatitis, as a complication of infectious mononucleosis. This condition requires intensive care.

Epstein-Barr virus treatment

It is impossible to completely overcome herpetic viruses, even with the most modern treatment, the Epstein-Barr virus remains in B-lymphocytes and other cells for life, although not in an active state. When immunity is weakened, the virus can become active again, exacerbating EBV infection occurs.

There is still no consensus among physicians and scientists regarding the methods of treatment, and a large number of studies are currently being carried out regarding antiviral treatment. At the moment, there are no specific drugs effective against the Epstein-Barr virus.

Infectious mononucleosis is an indication for inpatient treatment, with further recovery at home. Although with a mild course, hospitalization in the hospital can be avoided.

In the acute period of infectious mononucleosis, it is important to observe sparing regimen and diet:

• semi-bed rest, restriction of physical activity,


• need to drink plenty of water


• meals should be frequent, balanced, in small portions,


• exclude fried, spicy, smoked, salty, sweet foods,


• fermented milk products have a good effect on the course of the disease,


• the diet should contain a sufficient amount of proteins and vitamins, especially C, group B,


• refuse products containing chemical preservatives, dyes, flavor enhancers,


• it is important to exclude foods that are allergens: chocolate, citrus fruits, legumes, honey, some berries, out-of-season fresh fruits, and others.

For chronic fatigue syndrome useful will be:

• normalization of the mode of work, sleep and rest,


• positive emotions, doing what you love,


• complete nutrition,


• multivitamin complex.

Epstein-Barr virus drug treatment

Drug treatment should be comprehensive, aimed at immunity, elimination of symptoms, alleviation of the course of the disease, prevention of the development of possible complications and their treatment.

The principles of treatment of EBV infection in children and adults are the same, the difference is only in the recommended age dosages.

Drug group	A drug	When is it appointed?
Antiviral drugs that inhibit the activity of Epstein-Barr virus DNA polymerase	acyclovir, Gerpevir, Paciclovir, cidofovir, Foscavir	In acute infectious mononucleosis, the use of these drugs does not give the expected result, which is associated with the peculiarity of the structure and vital activity of the virus. But with generalized EBV infection, oncological diseases associated with the Epstein-Barr virus and other manifestations of the complicated and chronic course of the Epstein-Barr virus infection, the appointment of these drugs is justified and improves the prognosis of diseases.
Other drugs with non-specific antiviral and / or immunostimulatory effects	Interferon, Viferon, Laferobion, Cycloferon, Isoprinazine (Groprinazine), Arbidol , Uracil, rimantadine, Polyoxidonium, IRS-19 and others.	Also, they are not effective in the acute period of infectious mononucleosis. They are prescribed only in case of a severe course of the disease. These drugs are recommended during exacerbations of the chronic course of EBV infection, as well as during the recovery period after acute infectious mononucleosis.
Immunoglobulins	pentaglobin, Polygamy Sandlglobulin, Bioven and others.	These drugs contain ready-made antibodies against various infectious pathogens, bind to Epstein-Barr virions and remove them from the body. Their high efficiency in the treatment of acute and exacerbation of chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection has been proven. They are used only in a stationary clinic in the form of intravenous droppers.
Antibacterial drugs	Azithromycin, Lincomycin, Ceftriaxone, Cefadox and others	Antibiotics are prescribed only if a bacterial infection is attached, for example, with purulent tonsillitis, bacterial pneumonia. Important! In infectious mononucleosis, penicillin antibiotics are not used: benzylpenicillin,
vitamins	Vitrum , Pikovit, Neurovitan, Milgama and many others	Vitamins are necessary in the recovery period after infectious mononucleosis, as well as in chronic fatigue syndrome (especially B vitamins), and to prevent exacerbation of EBV infection.
Antiallergic (antihistamine) drugs	Suprastin, Loratadine (Claritin) Tsetrin and many others.	Antihistamines are effective in the acute period of infectious mononucleosis, alleviate the general condition, reduce the risk of complications.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs	paracetamol, ibuprofen, Nimesulide and others	These drugs are used for severe intoxication, fever. Important! Do not use aspirin.
Glucocorticosteroids	prednisolone, Dexamethasone	Hormonal drugs are used only in severe and complicated cases of the Epstein-Barr virus.
Preparations for the treatment of the throat and oral cavity	Ingalipt, Lisobakt, Decatilen and many others.	This is necessary for the treatment and prevention of bacterial tonsillitis, which often joins against the background of infectious mononucleosis.
Preparations to improve liver function	Gepabene, Essentiale, Heptral , Karsil and many others.	Hepatoprotectors are necessary in the presence of toxic hepatitis and jaundice, which develops against the background of infectious mononucleosis.
Sorbents	Enterosgel , Atoxil, activated carbon and others.	Intestinal sorbents promote faster elimination of toxins from the body, facilitate the acute period of infectious mononucleosis.

Treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus is selected individually depending on the severity of the course, the manifestations of the disease, the state of the patient's immunity and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Principles of drug treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

• Antiviral drugs: Acyclovir, Gerpevir, Interferons,


• vascular drugs: Actovegin, Cerebrolysin,


• drugs that protect nerve cells from the effects of the virus: Glycine, Encephabol, Instenon,



• sedatives,


• multivitamins.

Epstein-Barr virus treatment with folk remedies

Alternative methods of treatment will effectively complement drug therapy. Nature has a large arsenal of drugs to boost immunity, which is so necessary to control the Epstein-Barr virus.

1. Echinacea tincture - 3-5 drops (for children over 12 years old) and 20-30 drops for adults 2-3 times a day before meals.


2. Ginseng tincture - 5-10 drops 2 times a day.


3. herbal collection (not recommended for pregnant women and children under 12):
   
   
   • Chamomile flowers,
   
   
   • Peppermint,
   
   
   • Ginseng,
   
   
   
   • Marigold flowers.
   Take herbs in equal proportions, stir. To brew tea, 1 tablespoon is poured into 200.0 ml of boiling water and brewed for 10-15 minutes. Taken 3 times a day.


4. Green tea with lemon, honey and ginger - increases the body's defenses.


5. fir oil - used externally, lubricate the skin over enlarged lymph nodes.


6. Raw egg yolk: every morning on an empty stomach for 2-3 weeks, improves liver function and contains a large amount of nutrients.


7. Magonia Root or Oregon Grape Berries - add to tea, drink 3 times a day.

Which doctor should I contact with the Epstein-Barr virus?

If infection with the virus leads to the development of infectious mononucleosis (high fever, pain and redness in the throat, signs of sore throat, joint pain, headaches, runny nose, enlarged cervical, submandibular, occipital, supraclavicular and subclavian, axillary lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, abdominal pain
So, with frequent stress, insomnia, causeless fear, anxiety, it is best to contact a psychologist. If mental activity worsens (forgetfulness, inattention, poor memory and concentration, etc.), it is best to contact a neurologist. With frequent colds, exacerbations of chronic diseases or relapses of previously cured pathologies, it is best to contact an immunologist. And you can contact a general practitioner if a person is concerned about various symptoms, and among them there are no most pronounced ones.

If infectious mononucleosis becomes a generalized infection, you should immediately call an ambulance and be hospitalized in the intensive care unit (reanimation).

Frequently asked Questions

How does the Epstein-Barr virus affect pregnancy?

When planning a pregnancy, it is very important to prepare and go through all the necessary studies, as there are a lot of infectious diseases that affect conception, pregnancy and the health of the baby. Such an infection is the Epstein-Barr virus, which belongs to the so-called TORCH infections. The same analysis is suggested to be taken during pregnancy at least twice (12th and 30th week).

Pregnancy planning and testing for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus:

• Class immunoglobulins discovered G( VCA and EBNA) - you can easily plan a pregnancy, with good immunity, the reactivation of the virus is not terrible.


• Positive immunoglobulins class M - with the conception of a baby, you will have to wait until complete recovery, confirmed by an analysis for antibodies to EBV.


• There are no antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus in the blood - it is possible and necessary to become pregnant, but you will have to be observed, periodically taking tests. You also need to protect yourself from possible infection with EBV during the gestation period, strengthen your immunity.

If class M antibodies are detected during pregnancy to the Epstein-Barr virus, then the woman must be hospitalized in a hospital until complete recovery, the necessary symptomatic treatment is carried out, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and immunoglobulins are administered.

How exactly the Epstein-Barr virus affects pregnancy and the fetus is not yet fully understood. But many studies have shown that pregnant women with active EBV infection are much more likely to have pathologies in the child they are carrying. But this does not mean at all that if a woman had an active Epstein-Barr virus during pregnancy, then the child should be born unhealthy.

Possible complications of the Epstein-Barr virus on pregnancy and fetus:

• premature pregnancy (miscarriage),


• stillbirth,


• intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), fetal hypotrophy,


• prematurity,


• postpartum complications: uterine bleeding, DIC, sepsis,


• possible malformations of the central nervous system of the child (hydrocephalus, underdevelopment of the brain, etc.) associated with the action of the virus on the nerve cells of the fetus.

Can the Epstein-Barr virus be chronic?

Epstein-Barr virus - like all herpes viruses, it is a chronic infection that has its own flow periods:

1. Infection followed by an active period of the virus (acute viral EBV infection or infectious mononucleosis);


2. Recovery, in which the virus goes into an inactive state , in this form, the infection can exist in the body for life;


3. Chronic viral infection Epstein-Barr - characterized by reactivation of the virus, which occurs during periods of reduced immunity, manifests itself in the form of various diseases (chronic fatigue syndrome, changes in immunity, oncological diseases, and so on).

What are the symptoms of the Epstein-Barr igg virus?

To understand the symptoms Epstein-Barr igg virus , it is necessary to understand what is meant by this symbol. letter combination igg is a variant of the misspelling of IgG, which is used for brevity by doctors and laboratory workers. IgG is immunoglobulin G, which is a variant of antibodies produced in response to entry virus into the body in order to destroy it. Immunocompetent cells produce five types of antibodies - IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE. Therefore, when they write IgG, they mean antibodies of this particular type.

Thus, the entire record "Epstein-Barr virus igg" means that we are talking about the presence in the human body of antibodies of the IgG type to the virus. Currently, the human body can produce several types of IgG antibodies to different parts of the body. Epstein-Barr virus, such as:

• IgG to the capsid antigen (VCA) – anti-IgG-VCA;
• IgG to early antigens (EA) - anti-IgG-EA;
• IgG to nuclear antigens (EBNA) - anti-IgG-NA.

Each type of antibody is produced at certain intervals and stages of the infection. Thus, anti-IgG-VCA and anti-IgG-NA are produced in response to the initial penetration of the virus into the body, and then persist throughout life, protecting a person from re-infection. If anti-IgG-NA or anti-IgG-VCA are found in a person's blood, then this indicates that he was once infected with the virus. And the Epstein-Barr virus, once it enters the body, remains in it for life. Moreover, in most cases, such a virus carrier is asymptomatic and harmless to humans. In more rare cases, the virus can lead to a chronic infection known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Sometimes, during a primary infection, a person develops infectious mononucleosis, which almost always ends in recovery. However, with any variant of the course of infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, anti-IgG-NA or anti-IgG-VCA antibodies are found in a person, which are formed at the time of the first penetration of the microbe into the body in life. Therefore, the presence of these antibodies does not allow us to accurately speak about the symptoms caused by the virus at the current time.

But the detection of antibodies such as anti-IgG-EA may indicate an active course of a chronic infection, which is accompanied by clinical symptoms. Thus, under the entry "Epstein-Barr igg virus" in relation to symptoms, doctors understand precisely the presence in the body of antibodies of the anti-IgG-EA type. That is, we can say that the concept of "Epstein-Barr igg virus" in short form indicates that a person has symptoms of a chronic infection caused by a microorganism.

Symptoms of a chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection (EBSI, or chronic fatigue syndrome) are as follows:

• Prolonged low-grade fever;
• Low performance;
• Causeless and inexplicable weakness;
• Enlarged lymph nodeslocated in various parts of the body;
• sleep disorders;
• Recurrent angina.

Chronic VEBI proceeds in waves and for a long time, and many patients describe their condition as a "permanent flu". The severity of symptoms of chronic EBV can alternately vary from severe to mild. Currently, chronic VEBI is called chronic fatigue syndrome.

In addition, chronic EBV can lead to the formation of some tumors, such as:

• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;
• Burkitt's lymphoma;
• Neoplasms of the stomach and intestines;
• Hairy leukoplakia of the mouth;
• Thymoma (tumor of the thymus), etc.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.