Clinical Notes: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
In most cases, EBV infection is either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.
Otherwise, EBV has three main types of clinical manifestations:
(1) Infectious mononucleosis
* Signs and symptoms include: fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches
on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, tiredness, and
not feeling hungry.
* Virus is found in saliva and mucus, so spread by coughing, sneezing, and
kissing, hence the name "the kissing disease."
* Mono is commonly diagnosed by the Monospot test.
* Treatment includes: getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids,
taking throat lozenges, acetominophen (Tylenol), and/or ibuprofen (Advil)
for symptoms. Physical activity should be avoided for 3-4 weeks to avoid
rupturing the spleen.
American Academy of Family Practice: Getting Through Mononucleosis
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Fact Sheet on
Infectious Mononucleosis
(2) Cancers
Burkitt's Lymphoma
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
(3) Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts
Progressive lymphoproliferative disease
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
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Created: March 4, 1999
Last modified: March 5, 1999