Epstein Barr virus consequences. What are the symptoms of Epstein Barr virus in adults. What to do if antibodies to EBV are detected during pregnancy


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 entering the human body, the virus remains in it for life, since it cannot be completely destroyed, like other representatives of the herpes family. Due to the lifelong persistence of the virus in the body, infected person is a carrier and source of infection until death.

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

After penetration into B-lymphocytes, the Epstein-Barr virus leads to 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 proliferation of transformed B-lymphocytes, their number increases, and the cells fill the lymph nodes and spleen, causing an increase in their size. These cells then die and the viruses are released into the blood. Antibodies to Epstein-Barr viruses form circulating immune complexes (CICs) with them, which are carried by the blood to all organs and tissues. CECs are very aggressive compounds, because once they enter 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 represents 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 inadequate 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 is that it infects cells of the immune system, forming various states that can provoke the development of serious diseases. However, such serious illnesses 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, and the disappearance of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils from the blood. Proliferative syndrome due to immunodeficiency usually leads to death. In other cases, it is possible to save people’s lives, but they subsequently develop anemia and lymphoma;


  • Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy;

  • Hemophagocytic syndrome;

  • Immune thrombocytopenic purpura;

  • Aplastic or hemolytic anemia;

  • DIC syndrome;

  • Timoma;

  • Hairy leukoplakia of the oral cavity;


  • Burkitt's lymphoma;

  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;

  • Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer;


  • Central lymphoma nervous system;



  • Bell's syndrome;

  • Guillain-Barre syndrome;

According to research, half of schoolchildren and 90% of forty-year-olds have encountered the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are immune to it and do not even know it. This article will focus on those for whom getting to know the virus was not so painless.

Infectious mononucleosis

At the onset of the disease, mononucleosis is practically indistinguishable from ordinary ARVI. Patients are bothered by a runny nose, moderate sore throat, and body temperature rises to subfebrile levels.

The acute form of EBV is called. The virus enters the human body through the nasopharynx. More often through the mouth - it’s not for nothing that infectious mononucleosis received the beautiful name “kissing disease”. The virus multiplies in cells of lymphoid tissue (in particular, in B lymphocytes).

A week after infection, it develops clinical picture, resembling an acute respiratory infection:

  • temperature increase, sometimes up to 40 °C,
  • hyperemic tonsils, often with plaque,
  • as well as a chain of lymph nodes in the neck along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as in the back of the head, under the lower jaw, in the armpits and in the groin area,
  • may be detected during examination of “packets” of lymph nodes in the mediastinum and abdominal cavity, the patient may complain of cough, chest pain or abdominal pain,
  • the liver and spleen increase in size,
  • Atypical mononuclear cells appear in a blood test - young blood cells similar to both monocytes and lymphocytes.

The patient spends about a week in bed, during which time he drinks a lot, gargles and takes antipyretics. Specific treatment no mononucleosis, effectiveness of existing antiviral drugs has not been proven, and antibiotics are needed only in the case of a bacterial or fungal infection.

Typically, the fever disappears within a week, the lymph nodes shrink within a month, and blood changes can persist for six months.

After suffering from mononucleosis, specific antibodies remain in the body for life - immunoglobulins of class G (IgG-EBVCA, IgG-EBNA-1), which provide immunity to the virus.

Chronic EBV infection

If the immune response is not effective enough, a chronic Epstein-Barr viral infection may develop: erased, active, generalized or atypical.

  1. Severe: the temperature often rises or stays for a long time within 37–38 ° C, increased fatigue, drowsiness, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes may appear.
  2. Atypical: infections often recur - intestinal, urinary tract, repeated acute respiratory infections. They are protracted and difficult to treat.
  3. Active: symptoms of mononucleosis (fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, hepato- and splenomegaly) recur, often complicated by bacterial and fungal infections. The virus can cause damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines; patients complain of nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  4. Generalized: damage to the nervous system (encephalitis, radiculoneuritis), heart (), lungs (pneumonitis), liver (hepatitis).

In case of chronic infection, the virus itself can be detected in saliva PCR method, and antibodies to nuclear antigens (IgG-EBNA-1), which are formed only 3–4 months after infection. However, this is not enough to make a diagnosis, because the same picture can be observed in a completely healthy carrier of the virus. Immunologists examine the entire spectrum of antiviral antibodies at least twice.

An increase in the amount of IgG to VCA and EA will suggest relapse of the disease.

How dangerous is Epstein-Barr virus?

Genital ulcers associated with EBV

The disease is quite rare and occurs more often in young women. Quite deep and painful erosions appear on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. In most cases, in addition to ulcers, general symptoms, typical for mononucleosis. Acyclovir, which has proven itself in the treatment of herpes type II, was not very effective for genital ulcers associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. Fortunately, the rash goes away on its own and rarely recurs.

Hemophagocytic syndrome (X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease)

Epstein-Barr virus can infect T lymphocytes. As a result, a process is launched that leads to the destruction of blood cells - red blood cells, platelets, and leukocytes. This means that in addition to the symptoms characteristic of mononucleosis (fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly), the patient develops anemia, hemorrhagic rashes, and blood clotting is impaired. These phenomena may disappear spontaneously, but can also lead to death and therefore require active treatment.


Cancers associated with EBV

Currently, the role of the virus in the development of such cancers is not disputed:

  • Burkitt's lymphoma,
  • nasopharyngeal carcinoma,
  • lymphogranulomatosis,
  • lymphoproliferative disease.
  1. Burkitt's lymphoma occurs in children preschool age and only in Africa. The tumor affects the lymph nodes, upper or lower jaw, ovaries, adrenal glands and kidneys. Unfortunately, there are no drugs that guarantee success in its treatment yet.
  2. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a tumor located in the upper part of the nasopharynx. It manifests itself as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, hearing loss, sore throat and persistent headache. Most often found in African countries.
  3. Lymphogranulomatosis (otherwise known as Hodgkin's disease), on the contrary, more often affects Europeans of any age. It is manifested by enlarged lymph nodes, usually of several groups, including retrosternal and intra-abdominal, fever, and weight loss. The diagnosis is confirmed by a lymph node biopsy: giant Hodgkin (Reed-Berezovsky-Sternberg) cells are detected. Radiation therapy allows to achieve stable remission in 70% of patients.
  4. Lymphoproliferative disease (plasma hyperplasia, T-cell lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, immunoblastic lymphoma) is a group of diseases in which malignant proliferation of lymphoid tissue cells occurs. The disease is manifested by enlarged lymph nodes, and the diagnosis is made after a biopsy. The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on the type of tumor.

Autoimmune diseases

The impact of the virus on the immune system causes failures in the recognition of its own tissues, which leads to the development of autoimmune diseases. EBV infection is among etiological factors development of SLE, chronic glomerulonephritis, autoimmune hepatitis and Sjogren's syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome


Syndrome chronic fatigue may be a manifestation chronic EBV-infections.

Often associated with viruses of the herpes group (which includes the Epstein-Barr virus). Typical symptoms of chronic EBV infection: enlarged lymph nodes, especially cervical and axillary, pharyngitis and low-grade fever, combined with severe asthenic syndrome. The patient complains of fatigue, decreased memory and intelligence, inability to concentrate, headache and muscle pain, and sleep disturbances.

There is no generally accepted treatment regimen for EBV infection. In the arsenal of doctors today there are nucleosides (Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, Famciclovir), immunoglobulins (Alfaglobin, Polygam), recombinant interferons(Reaferon, Cycloferon). However, a competent specialist should decide how to take them and whether it is worth doing at all after a thorough study, including laboratory research.

Which doctor should I contact?

If a patient has symptoms of an Epstein-Barr virus infection, they should be evaluated and treated by an infectious disease specialist. However, often such patients first turn to a general practitioner/pediatrician. If complications or diseases associated with the virus develop, consultations with specialized specialists are prescribed: a hematologist (for bleeding), a neurologist (for the development of encephalitis, meningitis), a cardiologist (for myocarditis), a pulmonologist (for pneumonitis), a rheumatologist (for damage to blood vessels and joints). In some cases, consultation with an ENT doctor is required to rule out bacterial tonsillitis.

The most common virus among people is the Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV for short. This herpes virus infection can affect young children, starting from one 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 occurs after 2-3 years of age against the background of reduced immunity, the child develops a rich clinical picture.

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

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

Introduction to Epstein-Barr Virus

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

Samples were provided by surgeon Denis Parson. He studied the development of lymphoma in children under 7 years of age living in Africa.

Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted in children by airborne droplets, through saliva, personal hygiene products, dishes, during blood transfusion or transplantation. After infection and recovery, a person usually develops lasting immunity to this group of viruses.

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

Symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus development

The first organs to be infected by the virus are salivary glands, lymph nodes, tonsils.

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

If the infection enters the child’s body after 2 years, an increase in lymph nodes, salivary glands, and adenoids may be observed. In addition, the temperature rises to 37-38 degrees, the child feels weak, does not want to sleep or eat, frequent abdominal pain appears, the nasopharynx swells, and nasal discharge may appear.

Possible consequences and diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus

If the infection in the child’s body is acute and rapid, there will most likely be disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys, liver, spleen, and immune system.

Oncological processes may 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 cause not only enlarged lymph nodes, the development of lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis, but also persistent tonsillitis.

If the Epstein-Barr virus in children occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis, characteristic symptoms may be: vomiting, pain in the abdomen, rare stools, pneumonia, enlarged 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, and 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 a child has any of the above symptoms and manifestations, we kindly ask that the child be tested for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus!

How to diagnose a virus

To detect a child’s infection with the virus, it is necessary to donate blood and saliva for laboratory research: general blood analysis, biochemical analysis blood, immunogram, serological methods.

Treatment of Epstein-Barr virus

There are currently no effective methods for curing sick children infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. Doctors can only eliminate clinical manifestations and transfer the active infection into a latent phase, which is not harmful to the child’s health.

Infectious mononucleosis and organs affected by the virus in the child’s body are treated in a hospital. In addition, if there is still a chance that the virus could further affect the brain and vital important organs, doctors prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, and means for relieving acute manifestations: relieving swelling in the nose, normal lymph outflow.

If there are slight enlargements of the lymph nodes and 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.

Most researchers of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) classify it as a member of the herpesvirus type 4 family. This type of herpesvirus is considered the most common in the world, since 99% of the adult population and approximately 60% of children over 1 year of age are its carriers. It is worth immediately noting that carriers of the Epstein Barr virus, as a rule, do not suffer from diseases that can be caused by this virus, if they the immune system works in normal mode. However, in some cases, the Ebstein-Barr virus can lead to the development of acute lesions different organs and body systems.

This virus was discovered back in 1960, but the pathogenicity of the virus and other characteristics have been studied relatively recently. This type of herpes virus has quite complex structure and has a spherical shape. It was recently found that most children under 16 years of age experience mild forms of illness caused by EBV. As a rule, these diseases occur in the form mild cold or intestinal disorders that are not life-threatening. After experiencing the acute phase of the disease, the body acquires stable immunity to the virus. However, in some cases, serious damage may occur. internal organs, therefore, at the first manifestations of the disease, you need to urgently seek help medical care to conduct a blood test for the presence of the virus.

Currently, the reasons for the defeat of such a significant number of people by this virus are unknown, but researchers of the virus point to the unique structure of this microorganism, which includes more than 85 protein proteins that contain the DNA of the virus. The high pathogenicity of the virus and its ability to quickly penetrate host cells and begin to multiply are explained by the fact that the virus for a long time can be without a host and transmitted not only by contact, but also by airborne droplets.

Many researchers of the Epstein Barr virus agree that this virus is dangerous not in its ability to cause diseases characterized by acute course, but that under certain conditions, pathogenic DNA of the EBV virus can lead to the development of malignant tumors. There are a number of diseases that develop, as a rule, against the background of organ damage by the Ebstein-Barr virus:

  • Infectious mononucleosis;
  • chronic fatigue syndrome;
  • lymphogranulomatosis;
  • general immunological deficiency;
  • herpes;
  • systemic hepatitis;
  • malignant neoplasms in the nasopharynx;
  • malignant tumors in the intestines and stomach;
  • damage to the spinal cord or brain;
  • malignant tumors of the salivary glands;
  • lymphoma;
  • leukoplakia of the oral cavity.

Among other things, the presence of EBV can provoke the development of bacterial and fungal diseases. The course of diseases caused by the EBV virus can be complicated by paratonsillitis, otitis media, splenic rupture, renal failure, pancreatitis, respiratory failure, myocarditis. Currently, there is no clear classification of the manifestations of the course of diseases caused by this herpes virus, so doctors use a vague classification, which involves the designation of general characteristic features development and course of existing pathology. As a rule, the following parameters are determined: time of infection, form of the disease, severity of the disease, activity phase, presence of complications, etc.

What symptoms can Epstein Barr virus cause?

The symptoms observed with EBV are extremely diverse and largely depend on which organs and systems of the body were affected. All symptoms of EBV can be formally divided into general and specific. Common symptoms of damage to the body by the Epstein-Barr virus include:

  • chills;
  • increased body temperature;
  • weakness;
  • body aches;
  • increase lymph nodes;
  • rash on the skin;
  • signs of inflammation in the throat;
  • redness of the throat;
  • a sore throat.

As a rule, general symptoms are observed only in the case of acute reaction organism for primary infection. If the disease occurs against the background of reduced immunity, as the lesion develops individual organs and systems may experience symptoms inflammatory process in the kidneys, liver, heart and other organs. When a virus affects the nervous system, it is possible severe pain, motor impairment individual muscles, contractures, paresis and many other manifestations.

The incubation period of the Epstein-Barr virus lasts about 4-5 weeks, therefore, if a group of children has been diagnosed with mononucleosis, most likely, other children who maintain contact with the sick child will also become ill.

After incubation period Patients immediately experience an increase in body temperature and general symptoms.

It is very important at this time to visit a doctor and get qualified advice regarding treatment and do a blood test, since with improper therapy not only serious complications can develop, but also chronic form diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by the Epstein Barr virus

In most cases, patients go to the doctor already having a number of characteristic symptoms. This allows you to determine the presence viral infection. Diagnosis of the Epstein Barr virus in the body involves a number of studies. First of all, a blood test is done to determine the titer IgM antibodies. A blood test with an elevated titer of 1:40 is a diagnostic criterion for EBV damage to the body. A similar titer is characteristic of mononucleosis.

Once the basic blood test has been done, polymerase tests may also be performed. chain reaction and enzyme immunoassay. After it has been carried out full diagnostics the patient's condition, a course of treatment may be prescribed. Despite the fact that the human liver produces a special immunoglobulin against the virus, in the presence of an acute phase of the course it is necessary to take medications aimed at treating the symptoms. Pregnancy and the course of the disease with severe complications are a reason for inpatient treatment. It is worth immediately noting that pregnancy can be saved if future mom got sick with mononucleosis. However, the risk of infection of the fetus and transmission of the virus to the child increases, so in this case it is very important to undergo the correct course of treatment so that the pregnancy continues without complications. In cases where the course of the disease is not complicated, patients are treated on an outpatient basis.

The basis of treatment is various kinds of antiviral and immunomodulating drugs that can quickly eliminate foci of viral infection. Important role play a role in alleviating the patient's condition medicines, aimed at eliminating symptoms, that is, antipyretics, painkillers, antiallergic drugs, gargles, vitamin complexes. As additional funds For treatment, decoctions of chamomile, coltsfoot, mint, oak root, ginseng, calendula, etc. can be used.

During the active phase of the disease, patients are prescribed bed rest and complete peace. The duration of treatment ranges from 2 weeks to several months.

It was discovered in the sixties of the last century by the scientist M.E. Epstein and his assistant I. Barr during microscopic studies of cells malignant tumor, which later became known as Burkitt's lymphoma.

transmission route

They become infected in childhood and adolescence. Although the features of its distribution have been studied for 40 years, they remain not fully understood. It is infected by aerosol, transmissible means, and it can also be transmitted through contact with an infected person, through mother's milk and sexually (during oral sex).

Infection in childhood occurs through toys on which the carrier’s saliva remains in a latent form. Among adults, the spread is typical dangerous virus when kissing with saliva. This method considered very common and familiar.

Invading the salivary glands, thymus, cells of the mouth and nasopharynx, the Epstein-Barr virus begins to infect the human body. With a decrease in immunity, latent immunity can develop into open form, causing a number of dangerous diseases.

Pathogenesis

There are 4 stages in pathogenesis:

At the first stage penetration occurs into the oral cavity and nasopharynx, it enters salivary ducts, into the nasopharynx, where it multiplies, infecting healthy cells.

At the second stage enters the lymph nodes through the lymphatic routes, damaging B-lymphocytes and dendritic cells, causing their avalanche-like proliferation, which leads to swelling and enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Third stage— the central nervous system and lymphoid tissues are affected, along with other important organs: heart, lungs, etc.

Fourth stage characterized by the development of specific immunity against the virus, which produces the following result:

  • complete recovery;
  • or the infection becomes chronic.

There are two known forms - typical and atypical. A typical person has all the symptoms characteristic diseases, in atypical - only 2-3 symptoms (maybe even one). Atypical ones are identified based on data laboratory tests.

In terms of severity, it can be mild, moderately severe and severe. In severe cases, the body temperature reaches its maximum and lasts a long time feverish state, the lymph nodes become greatly enlarged, as well as the spleen, and sometimes the liver.

Adenoiditis persists for a long time, the tonsils are severely hyperemic, the tongue is coated, the leukocyte level in the general blood test is higher than normal.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out on the basis of patient complaints, manifestations of primary symptoms and data from laboratory blood tests.

Important for diagnosis are:

1. General blood test indicators. After the introduction of the B virus, lymphocytes become infected, and their active reproduction begins. The process leads to an increase in their concentration in the blood. Such cells are scientifically called “atypical mononuclear cells.”

In infected ESR indicators, the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes is higher than normal. Platelets also increase or, on the contrary, may be decreased, the same with hemoglobin levels (anemia of a hemolytic or autoimmune nature is observed). When examined under a microscope, doctors identify them.

2. To accurately determine if you are infected with the virus, blood is taken for tests to identify antibodies against antigens. When antigens enter the blood, they are recognized by cells of the immune system.

3. During a biochemical analysis of blood taken from a vein on an empty stomach, protein is detected in the acute phase, increased indicators bilirubin levels indicate liver disease.

ALT, AST, LDH are special proteins found in the cells of the body. When an organ is damaged, they enter the blood, and their increase indicates disease of the liver, pancreas or heart.

4. A consultation is held narrow specialists with the involvement of an immunologist and ENT doctor, oncologist and hematologist. Final conclusions are drawn based on clinical trials with a blood test for coagulation, according to x-rays nasopharynx and chest, Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Initial symptoms of Epstein Barr virus, indicating that the patient is infected

Incubation period acute form lasts approximately a week after implementation. The patient begins to develop a picture similar to acute respiratory disease.

These are the initial symptoms:

  • the temperature rises to critical levels, the patient shudders;
  • the throat hurts, you can see plaque on the swollen tonsils;
  • upon palpation, enlargement of the lymph nodes under the jaw, on the neck, in the groin and armpits is felt.

During a blood test, the appearance of atypical mononuclear cells is observed - young cells that are similar to lymphocytes and monocytes.

A person gets tired quickly, appetite and performance decrease. A papular rash can be seen on the body and arms. Activities are disrupted gastrointestinal tract. Patients often experience soreness in the muscles and joints. They often suffer from insomnia and chronic syndrome fatigue.

Associated diseases

Most dangerous disease which can cause is considered to be Filatov's disease, or it is also called infectious mononucleosis. The incubation period for this disease is usually about a week, but can last up to 2 months.

At the beginning, the patient begins to feel chills and malaise, joint and muscle pain, the throat swells, the patient quickly gets tired, and sleeps poorly.

The body temperature gradually rises and reaches critical levels - up to 40 degrees, the patient has a fever. The main defining symptom of a viral infection is polyadenopathy, which appears 5-6 days after manifestation and is characterized by an enlargement of all lymph nodes. They become slightly painful during palpation.

Nausea and abdominal pain lead to vomiting. Skin remain unchanged, but are sometimes observed herpetic rashes. The palatine tonsils become inflamed, with back wall pharynx discharges pus. Nasal breathing becomes difficult, accompanied by a nasal voice.

Later, the spleen enlarges (the phenomenon of splenomegaly), which returns to normal after 2-3 weeks. Accompanied by the appearance of a rash on the body, papules and spots, roseola spots, as well as hemorrhages.

Sometimes there is jaundice in mild degree with dark urine.

A person who has had infectious mononucleosis will no longer be ill, but will remain a carrier for life. Epstein Barr virus is dangerous due to its complications: meningoencephalitis, serous meningitis, and there may also be a threat of encephalomyelitis.

People infected with the Epstein-Barr virus can also develop other diseases:

  • lymphogranulomatosis;
  • systemic hepatitis;
  • lymphoma, including Burkitt's lymphoma;
  • malignant tumors of the nasopharynx;
  • neoplasms in salivary glands, gastrointestinal system;
  • herpetic lesions of the genitals and skin;
  • hairy leukopenia; chronic fatigue syndrome;
  • multiple sclerosis;
  • proliferative syndrome, which develops in those with acquired immunodeficiency or from birth.

As infection develops, B lymphocytes increase so much that the functioning of important internal organs is disrupted. Many children who congenital form immunodeficiency, die from this disease. Those who escape suffer from lymphoma, anemia, agranulocytosis or hypergammaglobulinemia.

Treatment

The boy has Epstein Barra

Treatment of infection should be carried out by a doctor specializing in infectious diseases, and if a tumor is detected in the form of neoplasms - an oncologist. Patients with severe infectious mononucleosis are subject to immediate hospitalization with an appropriate diet and bed rest.

Active treatment begins with the use of drugs to stimulate phagocytes and natural killer cells, creating an antiviral state of healthy cells.

The effectiveness of the following prescriptions has been proven:

  • interferon preparations - alpha: acyclovir and arbidol, viveron, valtrex and isoprinosine;
  • intramuscular injection of roferon and reaferon –EC;
  • intravenous administration of immunoglobulins, such as pentaglobin and intraglobin, which also give good results;
  • immunomodulatory drugs: derinat, lycopid and leukinferon;
  • biological stimulants (solcoseryl and actovegin).

An auxiliary role in treatment is played by the complex intake of vitamins and antiallergic drugs, such as tavegil and suprastin.

When identifying purulent sore throat a course of antibiotics is prescribed for a week or 10 days (cefazolin or tetracycline).

When the body temperature rises, antipyretic paracetamol tablets are prescribed, and when coughing, mucaltin or libexin tablets are prescribed. If there is difficulty breathing through the nose, naphthyzine drops can help.

Treatment of patients can be carried out on an outpatient basis, prescribing interferon-alpha under systematic laboratory monitoring. After three to four months, you need to donate blood for a biochemical analysis for immunological examination and PCR diagnostics.

Treatment may require two to three weeks or several months, depending on the severity and complications, as well as its type (acute or chronic).

If a disease is detected, it is necessary to examine the saliva of other family members in order to avoid reinfection infection.

Why is Epstein Barr dangerous?


On the face

It poses a serious danger due to its complications. At the very beginning of the disease, in the first weeks, it can lead to damage to the central nervous system. Often there are meningitis, psychosis and hemiplegia.

Sometimes the Epstein Barr virus provokes an autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Appearing pain in the abdomen, radiating to left shoulder, may indicate a ruptured spleen. With severe swelling of the tonsils, obstruction of the upper respiratory tract is sometimes observed.

Epstein Barr virus during pregnancy can cause intrauterine infection of the fetus and lead to pathology of its important organs and lymph nodes.

Preventive measures against Epstein Barr virus

There is no need to be afraid of the virus, since it is impossible to avoid infection. Adults already have immunity, since they develop antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus after past illness in childhood.

If a child has a good immune system, he does not need to be overly protected from infection. It has been noticed: the sooner children get sick with the Epstein Barr virus, the weaker the course of the disease will be. Maybe they won't even feel it. And children who have been ill will develop immunity for the rest of their lives.

For those who have weak immunity, a special vaccine is currently being developed to protect the body from infection with this virus.

The most effective prevention is considered to be increasing resistance caused by the Epstein Barr virus and strengthening the immune system.

Here are mandatory preventive measures:

  • Hardening is recommended from birth. Babies should be gradually accustomed to swimming in warm water at body temperature and walking on fresh air, and will also help in hardening the use cold water for dousing throughout life.
  • Maintaining healthy image life, competently, scientifically you need to make the right diet balanced nutrition with the introduction of fresh vegetables and fruits. The vitamins and microelements contained in them, special multivitamins should be high level support the body.
  • Avoid any somatic diseases, causing weakening immunity.
  • Psychological and physical stress also negatively affects the body’s condition and reduces immunity.
  • We must live by the motto “movement is life”, spend a lot of time outdoors in any weather, engage in feasible sports: skiing in winter, swimming in summer.

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