What is the Epstein Barr Virus?
The
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is a member of the herpesvirus family and is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as "mono" or the "kissing disease". EBV is highly prevalent, with over 90% of the world's population infected by adulthood.
How is EBV transmitted?
EBV is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, particularly saliva. It can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations. While less common, the virus can also be passed from a mother to her child during childbirth.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A type of cancer that occurs in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Burkitt lymphoma: A highly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that most commonly affects children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Hodgkin lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, with a significant proportion of cases associated with EBV.
Gastric carcinoma: EBV is found in about 10% of gastric (stomach) cancers worldwide.
Viral latency: EBV can remain dormant in B cells of the immune system, periodically reactivating and causing cell transformation.
Oncogenes: The virus expresses specific genes (e.g., LMP1 and EBNA1) that can drive uncontrolled cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Immune evasion: EBV can evade the host immune response, allowing infected cells to proliferate unchecked.
Chronic inflammation: Persistent EBV infection can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for various cancers.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Symptoms may include a lump in the neck, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, hearing loss, and frequent ear infections.
Burkitt lymphoma: Symptoms often include a rapidly growing tumor in the jaw or abdomen, night sweats, fever, and unexplained weight loss.
Hodgkin lymphoma: Common symptoms include painless swelling of lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Gastric carcinoma: Symptoms might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and unintended weight loss.
Medical history and physical examination: Initial assessment to identify symptoms and risk factors.
Imaging tests: Techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to detect tumors.
Biopsy: Removal of a tissue sample for histological examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Blood tests: To detect EBV DNA or antibodies, indicating a current or past infection.
Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells, commonly used for Burkitt lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, often used for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Surgery: Removal of the tumor, typically for localized gastric carcinoma.
Immunotherapy: Treatments that boost the body's immune response against cancer cells, an area of active research for EBV-associated cancers.
Avoid sharing drinks, food, or personal items that can transmit saliva.
Practice safe sex to minimize the risk of bloodborne transmission.
Screening high-risk populations for early detection and treatment.
Research is ongoing for potential vaccines against EBV.
