Epstein barr virus symptoms. Why is the Epstein-Barr virus dangerous and is it possible to cure the infection

The Epstein-Barr virus was discovered relatively recently, in 1964, and belongs to the herpesvirus family, the gamma subfamily. Interestingly, the Epstein-barr virus can be the cause of several diseases.

The source of infection is a person, and it does not matter whether he currently has signs of illness or not.

Infectious mononucleosis or, as it is also called, kissing disease. Infection of children and young people (up to 40 years) is characteristic. The virus is transmitted in the following ways:

Through saliva (during kissing or oral sex);

When shaking hands;

With the general use of toys, household items;

By blood transfusion.

The prevalence of carriers of the Epstein-barr virus is very high, in the United States it reaches 95% of people who have reached the age of 35 years. Children are usually infected by their mothers; in developing countries, half of children under 5 years of age are infected with this virus. If the infection occurred at an early age, then, as a rule, the picture of the disease is rather "blurred" and can be regarded as another disease. Due to this prevalence, let's talk about it on our website www.site in the article "Epstein Barr Virus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Consequences."

The Epstein-Barr virus is characterized by an incubation period lasting 30-60 days, then the pathogen is fully activated and begins to multiply in the cells of the surface layers of the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx and lymph nodes.

Epstein Barr virus has the following symptoms:

An increase in temperature to 38-40C, accompanied by chills;

Headache;

Severe weakness, malaise, loss of appetite;

Sore throat, especially when swallowing;

sweating;

Sometimes there is a small punctate rash on the body

Gradually, the Epstein-Barr virus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. This is accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes. Typically, the virus is found in the spleen, salivary glands, lymph nodes of any group, cervix, liver.

For infectious mononucleosis is characterized by an increase in the submandibular, cervical, behind the ear lymph nodes. The sore throat lasts for about a week.

In a sick person, under the influence of a virus, the number of leukocytes - "white blood cells" decreases, which can be detected in the patient's blood test.

If a person has an immunodeficiency (for example, with AIDS), then an increase in the liver and spleen, accompanied by jaundice, is likely.

Infectious mononucleosis goes away on its own within one to two months, sometimes even earlier.

Effects of the Epstein-Barr virus

Complications of infectious mononucleosis are quite rare, but you should always keep in mind the likelihood of their occurrence:

The occurrence of rupture of the spleen up to death is very dangerous;

Changes in the composition of the blood (decrease in red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells);

Damage to the nervous system - encephalitis, convulsive syndrome, cerebellar disorders;

Inflammation of the heart muscle - myocarditis, the membranes of the heart - pericarditis.

Epstein Barr virus diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of characteristic symptoms and a study of the level of antibodies in the patient's blood to the Epstein-Barr virus.

There was no association between infectious mononucleosis and the development of tumor processes.

Another disease caused by a virus is Burkitt's lymphoma. This is a tumor process that affects the lymph nodes, upper or lower jaws, kidneys, ovaries. This disease occurs only in Africa in children aged four to eight years.

The diagnosis is based on the detection of the virus in lymphoblasts and lymph nodes.

Also, the Epstein-Barr virus can contribute to the development of lymphogranulomatosis and malignant tumors of the nasopharynx.

As a rule, tumor processes develop under the influence of a virus quite rarely, usually this is facilitated by a genetic predisposition or immunodeficiency.

Infection of children with viral infections is facilitated by the fact that their immune system is weakened, and at the same time they are more likely than adults to come into close contact with virus carriers. It is almost impossible to recognize diseases that arise as a result of the development of viruses of various types without special tests. Even the same virus can manifest itself as symptoms of several diseases that have different consequences and manifestations. For example, the development of the Epstein-Barr virus in a child's body sometimes goes unnoticed. But it can also be a source of very dangerous diseases.

Content:

Characterization of the virus

The discoverers of this infectious agent are the English microbiologist Michael Epstein and his assistant Yvonne Barr. The microorganism of this type is one of the representatives of the herpetic group of viruses. Infection usually occurs in childhood. Most often, children aged 1-6 years are infected as a result of the physiological imperfection of their immunity. A contributing factor is that at this age, most children are still little familiar with the rules of hygiene. Their close contact with each other during the game inevitably leads to the spread of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) from one baby to another.

Fortunately, in most cases, infection does not lead to serious consequences, and if the baby is still ill, then he develops strong immunity. In this case, the pathogen remains in the blood for life. Such microorganisms are found in about half of the children who have undergone a virological examination, and in most adults.

EBV infection is extremely rare in breastfed infants, as their body is protected from the effects of viruses by their mother's immunity. At risk are small children born prematurely, with poor development or congenital pathologies, and HIV patients.

At normal temperature and humidity, this type of virus is quite stable, but in dry conditions, under the influence of high temperatures, sunlight, and disinfectants, it quickly dies.

What is the risk of Epstein-Barr infection?

Up to 5-6 years of age, infection most often does not pose a serious threat to health. Symptoms are typical for ARVI, tonsillitis. However, children may become allergic to EBV. In this case, the reaction of the body can be unpredictable, up to Quincke's edema.

The dangerous thing is that, once in the body, the virus remains in it forever. Under certain conditions (decreased immunity, the occurrence of injuries and various stresses), it is activated, which causes the development of serious diseases.

The consequences may appear many years after the infection has occurred. With the development of the Epstein-Barr virus, the occurrence of the following diseases in children is associated:

mononucleosis - the destruction of lymphocytes by viruses, the consequences of which are meningitis and encephalitis;
pneumonia, increasing airway obstruction (obstruction);
immunodeficiency state (IDS);
multiple sclerosis - a disease caused by the destruction of the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord;
heart failure;
rupture of the spleen due to its strong increase (with acute pain in the abdomen), which requires immediate hospitalization;
lymphogranulomatosis - damage to the lymph nodes (cervical, axillary, inguinal and others);
malignant lesions of the lymph nodes (Burkitt's lymphoma);
nasopharyngeal cancer.

Most often, an infected baby, after timely treatment, fully recovers, but is a virus carrier. With the transition of the disease into a chronic form, the symptoms periodically worsen.

If you do not conduct a timely examination, then doctors may not recognize the true nature of the symptoms. The patient's condition is deteriorating. A severe option is the development of deadly ailments.

Causes and risk factors

The main cause of infection is the entry of the Epstein-Barr virus directly from a sick person into the body of a small child, which is especially contagious at the end of the incubation period, which lasts up to 1-2 months. During this period, these microorganisms multiply rapidly in the lymph nodes and mucous membranes of the nose and throat, from where they then enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs.

There are the following ways of transmission of infection:

Contact. Many viruses are found in saliva. A child can become infected if a sick person kisses him.
Airborne. Infection occurs when particles of the patient's sputum are scattered around when coughing and sneezing.
Contact household. Infected saliva gets on the child's toys or objects that he touches.
Transfusion. Transmission of the virus occurs through the blood during the procedure of its transfusion.
Transplant. The virus is introduced into the body during a bone marrow transplant.

The symptoms of the patient may be hidden, so he, as a rule, is unaware of his illness, continuing to contact with a small child.

Video: How EBV infection occurs, what are its manifestations and consequences

Epstein-Barr classification of infections

When prescribing a course of treatment, various factors are taken into account, indicating the degree of activity of the pathogen and the severity of manifestations. There are several forms of Epstein-Barr virus disease.

Congenital and acquired. Congenital infection occurs even during the period of intrauterine development of the fetus when viruses are activated in a pregnant woman. A child can also become infected during passage through the birth canal, since an accumulation of viruses also occurs in the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Typical and atypical. The typical form usually presents with symptoms of mononucleosis. With an atypical course, the symptoms are smoothed out or similar to manifestations of respiratory diseases.

Light, moderate and severe form. Accordingly, in a mild form, the infection is manifested by a short deterioration in well-being and ends with a complete recovery. A severe form leads to brain damage, goes into meningitis, pneumonia, cancer.

Active and inactive form, that is, the appearance of symptoms of rapid reproduction of viruses or a temporary lull in the development of infection.

Symptoms of EBV infection

At the end of the incubation period, when infected with the EB virus, symptoms appear that are characteristic of the development of other viral diseases. It is especially difficult to understand what a child is sick with, if he is less than 2 years old, he is not able to explain what specifically worries him. The first symptoms, as with SARS, are fever, cough, runny nose, drowsiness, headache.

In primary school children and adolescents, the Epstein-Barr virus is usually the causative agent of mononucleosis (glandular fever). In this case, the virus affects not only the nasopharynx and lymph nodes, but also the liver and spleen. The first sign of such a disease is swelling of the cervical and other lymph nodes, as well as an enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Typical symptoms of such an infection are:

Increase in body temperature. By day 2-4, it can rise to 39°-40°. In children, it remains high for up to 7 days, then drops to 37.3°-37.5° and stays at this level for 1 month.
Intoxication of the body, the signs of which are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, bloating, aching bones and muscles.
Enlargement of lymph nodes (mainly cervical) due to their inflammation. They become painful.
Pain in the region of the liver.
Inflammation of the adenoids. It is difficult for the patient to breathe through his nose because of his congestion, he is nasal, snoring in his sleep.
The appearance of a rash all over the body (such a symptom is a manifestation of an allergy to toxins). This symptom occurs in about 1 out of 10 children.

Warning: When visiting a doctor, parents of preschool children should insist on examining the baby for the presence of EBV if he often has colds and sore throats, does not eat well, and often complains of fatigue. You may need treatment with specific antiviral drugs.

With an atypical form of Epstein-Barr virus infection, only a few symptoms appear, and the disease is not as acute as typical. Mild malaise can last much longer than with the usual acute form.

Video: Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis. Can the disease be treated with antibiotics?

Diagnostics

Methods of laboratory blood tests are used, with the help of which viruses are detected, the degree of damage to lymphocytes, and other characteristic changes are determined.

General analysis allows you to set the level of hemoglobin and the presence of an atypical structure of lymphocyte cells. According to these indicators, the activity of the virus is judged.

Biochemical analysis. According to its results, the state of the liver is judged. The blood content of enzymes, bilirubin and other substances that are produced in this organ is determined.

ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay). It allows you to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood - immune cells that are produced in the body to destroy the EB virus.

Immunogram. The number of cells of various blood elements in a sample taken from a vein (platelets, leukocytes, immunoglobulins) is counted. According to their ratio, the state of immunity is determined.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The DNA of microorganisms found in a blood sample is examined. This allows you to confirm the presence of Epstein-Barr viruses, even if they are present in small quantities and are in an inactive form. That is, it is possible to confirm the diagnosis already at the earliest stages of the disease.

Ultrasound of the liver and spleen. The degree of their increase, the presence of changes in the structure of tissues is determined.

Video: How EBV is diagnosed. With what diseases it is differentiated

Epstein-Barr treatment technique

If the disease proceeds in a complicated form, shortness of breath appears or there are signs of heart failure, acute pain in the abdomen, then the child is hospitalized. Conducting an urgent examination. If the presence of a viral infection is confirmed, specific antiviral and ancillary treatment is prescribed.

With a mild form of the disease, treatment is carried out at home. Antibiotics are not prescribed, as they are powerless in the fight against viruses. Moreover, their appointment for mononucleosis can only worsen the patient's condition, since antibiotics have a lot of side effects that are not harmless for babies.

Specific therapy for Epstein-Barr infection

Means to strengthen the immune system and antiviral drugs are prescribed only for severe illness, when there are signs of severe intoxication and immunodeficiency. Children of any age can take Acyclovir, Isoprinosine. From the age of 2, Arbidol, Valtrex are prescribed. After 12 years, you can use Famvir.

Antiviral and immunomodulating agents include interferon derivatives: Viferon, Kipferon (prescribed at any age), Reaferon (from 2 years). Interferon inducers are used (stimulating its own production in the body). Among them are Neovir (appointed from infancy), Anaferon (for children over 1 year old), Kagocel (from the age of 3 years), Cycloferon (after 4 years), Amiksin (after 7 years).

According to the results of the immunogram, the patient can be prescribed immunomodulatory drugs of other groups, such as Polyoxidonium, Derinat, Likopid.

Note: Any drugs, and even more specific actions, children should be prescribed only by a doctor. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions, without violating the dosage and treatment regimen.

Complementary (symptomatic) therapy

It is carried out to alleviate the general condition of sick children.

As antipyretics, paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually given in forms suitable for children: in the form of syrups, capsules, suppositories. To facilitate nasal breathing, vasoconstrictors Sanorin or Nazivin are prescribed (in the form of drops or spray). Gargling with antiseptic solutions of furacilin or soda helps with sore throat. For the same purpose, a decoction of chamomile or sage is used.

Anti-allergic drugs are prescribed (Zirtek, Claritin, Erius), as well as drugs that improve liver function (hepatoprotectors Essentiale, Karsil and others). Vitamins C, group B and others are prescribed as fortifying agents.

Prevention

There is no specific vaccine for the Epstein-Barr virus. You can protect your baby from infection only by instilling hygiene skills in him from birth, as well as strengthening his immunity. The development of the immune system is facilitated by hardening, long walks in the fresh air, good nutrition, and a normal daily routine.

If symptoms of a viral infection occur, you should immediately contact your pediatrician. In the acute form of Epstein-Barr infection, timely treatment leads to a quick recovery. If the symptoms are smoothed out, this does not mean that they should not be paid attention to. The disease can become chronic and give serious complications.

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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Many people on the planet have the Epstein Barr virus. Symptoms in adults are often confused with other diseases, leading to ineffective treatment.

Symptoms resembling SARS are caused by the Epstein Barr virus. Symptoms in adults are determined by the strength of the body's immune defenses, while treatment is symptomatic. This virus belongs to the herpes family, namely its 4th type. EBV has the ability to stay in the carrier's body for a sufficiently long time, in some cases throughout life.

Being in the human body, the causative agent of the disease can cause the development of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune pathologies. The most common manifestation is mononucleosis. In adult patients, the transmission of the viral agent is carried out in the process of kissing through the salivary fluid. A huge number of virions are found in its cells.

Incubation of the Epstein Barr virus agent lasts 30 to 60 days. At the end of this period, a violent attack of the tissue structures of the epidermis and lymph nodes begins, then the virus migrates into the bloodstream and affects all organs and systems of the body.

Symptoms do not appear immediately, there is a gradual increase in a certain sequence. In the first phase, the symptoms practically do not appear or are very mild, as in an acute respiratory viral infection.

After the human body has been struck by a chronic viral infection, the following symptoms develop:

headache;
sweating increases;
spasmodic pain in the upper square of the abdomen;
complete weakness of the body;
nausea, sometimes turning into vomiting;
problems with fixing attention and partial memory loss;
increase in body temperature up to 39°C;
a pale papular-spotted rash is observed in 15% of those infected;
sleep problems;
depressive states.

A distinctive feature of the infectious process is an increase in lymph nodes and their redness, plaque forms on the tonsils, mild hyperemia of tonsils develops, cough is added, pain in the throat when swallowed and at rest, breathing through the nose becomes difficult.

The infection has phases of increasing and subsiding symptoms. Most of the victims confuse important signs of pathology with a sluggish flu.

EBV is often transmitted along with other infectious agents: fungi (thrush) and pathogenic bacteria that cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Potential danger of the Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus in adults can cause the following complications:

inflammation of the meninges and/or brain;
polyradiculoneuritis;
violations of the normal functioning of the glomeruli of the kidneys;
inflammation of the heart muscle;
severe forms of hepatitis.

It is the development of one or several complications at once that can cause death. Epstein Barr virus can lead to various pathologies in the body.

Infectious mononucleosis

This pathology develops in 3 out of 4 patients infected with Epstein Barr virus. The victim feels weak, the body temperature rises and can last up to 60 days. Lymph nodes, pharynx, spleen, liver are involved in the process of damage. Small rashes may appear on the skin. If mononucleosis is not treated, the symptoms will disappear after 1.5 months. This pathology is not characterized by a recurrence, but the risk of deterioration is not excluded: autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lesions of the central nervous system and cranial nerves.

Chronic fatigue and its manifestations

The main symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is unreasonable anger. After that, depressive disorders, pain in muscles and joints, problems with fixing attention are added to it. This is due to the Epstein Barr virus.

Lymphogranulomatosis

First of all, the lymph nodes in the cervical and subclavian region increase, there is no pain on palpation. With tissue malignancy, it is possible to advance the process to other organs and systems.

African lymphoma malignant type

Lymphoid lesion is a malignant neoplasm involving the lymph nodes, ovaries, adrenal glands and kidneys in the pathological process. The disease develops very quickly, and without appropriate treatment leads to an unfavorable result.

Cancer of the nasopharynx

It belongs to the class of tumor formations, which is localized on the lateral wall of the nose, and grows into the back of the nasal cavity with the destruction of the lymph nodes by metastases. With the further development of the disease, purulent and mucous discharge from the nose joins, nasal breathing becomes difficult, buzzing in the ears and weakening of hearing acuity.

If the virus has struck a person's immunity, then the central nervous system, liver, and spleen begin to suffer. The victim develops jaundice, mental disorders and paroxysmal pains in the stomach join.

One of the most dangerous complications is the rupture of the spleen, which is characterized by severe pain in the left abdomen. In such a situation, urgent hospitalization and the help of a specialist are necessary, since the resulting bleeding may be the result of the death of the patient.

If you suspect the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the human body, you should immediately seek specialized help and carry out a set of diagnostic measures. This allows early stages and reduces the risk of complications.

Epstein Barr virus diagnosis

In order to detect the Epstein-Barr virus, the doctor must examine the alleged patient and collect an anamnesis. To make an accurate diagnosis, the diagnostic scheme includes such activities and procedures.

Biochemical diagnostics of blood.
Clinical diagnostics of blood, which allows to detect leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia.
Establishment of the titer of specific antibodies.
for detection of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus antigens.
Immunological test to determine failures in the activity of the immune system.
cultural method.

All of the above studies and manipulations will help to determine the presence of a pathological process as early as possible in both men and women. This will help to start timely therapy and prevent the development of unpleasant complications.

Therapeutic measures

Unfortunately, modern medicine does not offer a specific

With strong immune protection, the disease can go away on its own, without the use of medical treatment and procedures. The victim should be surrounded by absolute peace, and he must also observe the drinking regimen. With elevated body temperature and pain, it is possible to use painkillers and antipyretics.

When the pathological process degenerates into a chronic or acute form, the patient is referred to an infectious disease specialist, and if it worsens in the form of tumor neoplasms, they seek help from an oncologist.

The duration of treatment for Epstein Barr virus depends on the degree of damage to the body and can range from 3 to 10 weeks.

After conducting immunological studies, and identifying abnormalities in the functioning of the immune system, it is necessary to include the following groups of medicines in the treatment regimen:

In order to increase the pharmacological activity of the above medicines, the following items can be used:

antiallergic drugs;
bacteria to restore intestinal microflora;
hepatoprotectors;
enterosorbents.

To determine the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy and the response of the patient's body to the proposed therapy, it is necessary to take a clinical blood test every week, and monthly carry out a biochemical study of the blood composition.

With severe symptoms and complications, the patient should be treated in an inpatient hospital for infectious diseases.

For the entire period of treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus, one should strictly adhere to the recommendations of the doctor and the daily regimen drawn up by him, as well as follow a diet. In order to stimulate the body, the doctor recommends an individual set of gymnastic exercises.

If mononucleosis of infectious origin is detected, the patient is additionally prescribed antibiotic therapy (Azithromycin, Tetracycline) for a period of 8-10 days. During this time, the patient should be at constant rest, and rest as much as possible to reduce the risk of rupture of the spleen. It is forbidden to lift heavy objects for 2-3 weeks, in some cases even 2 months.

To avoid re-infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, you should go for wellness treatments to a sanatorium for a while.

In people who have encountered and been ill with the Epstein Barr virus, they are found in the body from the IgG class. They persist throughout life. The Epstein-Barr virus is not as scary as it is described, the main thing is to seek treatment in time.

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;