Epstein barr virus what causes. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment in children and adults. Epstein-Barr virus, along with other viruses, is a dangerous combination

Data 06 Apr ● Comments 0 ● Views

Doctor Maria Nikolaeva

In 40% of cases, adults and children develop a herpes infection. However, this family of pathogens has many variations. This infection is referred to as the Epstein-Barr virus. Pathogens are in the body in a dormant position for a long time, and as soon as immunity decreases, their activity begins. In this case, the patient needs to know which doctor to contact and how the Epstein-Barr treatment is carried out. Timely therapy will prevent the development of the disease and will not lead to complications.

If symptoms of EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) appear, you need to contact an infectious disease specialist or an immunologist. When tumor-like formations began to appear, an oncologist is engaged in the treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus. The patient is diagnosed by an appropriate specialist. To determine which complex of treatment is required to prescribe, the doctor should familiarize himself with the results of the anamnesis, laboratory tests and examination of the patient.

To determine the Epstein-Barr infection, a general condition is distinguished:

intoxication of the body;
temperature increase;
fever;
lymph nodes are enlarged;
difficulty breathing.

In laboratory studies, in the presence of the virus, an increase in the liver and spleen is observed. In the results of a general blood test, changes in the increase in the level of lymphocytes and monocytes are noted. During the course of infection, the number of segmented neutrophils decreases. The ESR indicator is able to remain at the same level. If the result changes, then this will have little effect on general condition. When the infection affects the liver, an increase in bilirubin is noted.

How is Epstein-Barr virus treated?

Treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in children and adults.

Certain complex measures for the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus do not exist. If the immune system is not weakened, then the recovery of the body occurs without the use of therapy. To do this, it is necessary to provide the patient with a constant replenishment of the water balance. To eliminate the clinical manifestations of Epstein-Barr disease in an adult, antipyretics are prescribed. Otherwise, painkillers help. This is included in the general restoration measures.

General treatment regimen

If VEB manifests itself in the form infectious mononucleosis, then no special therapy is carried out. In this case medications with the content of acyclovir do not bring benefits. With a severe manifestation of the activity of pathogens general scheme treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus in adults is to take medications, vitamin complexes and maintain immunity.

In chronic or acute course of the disease, the use of glucocorticosteroids is prescribed. Prednisolone is prescribed for the treatment of Epstein-Barr infection. The dosage in severe infections is 0.001 g/kg per day. The recovery course lasts 1 week. In addition, the drug is recommended to use drugs to eliminate other symptoms of the disease.

If a secondary infection joins the disease, then treating the Epstein-Barr virus in adults is required with the use of antibiotics. At the same time, the dosage of medicines is observed. The exception includes drugs containing aminopenicillin. As etiotropic agents use "Acyclovir" or "Ganciclovir". It is noted that these funds do not provide a positive result during the latent course of infection.

When the chronic form of the Epstein-Barr virus disease occurs in adults, the treatment is with the use of Alpha Interferon. At the same time, the dosage of the drug is 1 million IU per 1 m2 of the patient's body area. The agent is administered 2 times a day every 12 hours. The course of treatment is 7 days. Then every day the medicine is administered 3 times a week. The duration of the course of treatment is 180 days.

With Epstein-Barr infection in adults, Acyclovir is prescribed, in addition, the drug is indicated for use in herpes zoster. To eliminate some symptoms, the ointment is applied to the inflamed areas. Doctors recommend rubbing the medicine up to 5 times a day.

In addition to medicines, general therapy includes vitamin and mineral complexes to maintain the state of the immune system. Doctors recommend that the patient review his diet and add more vegetables and fruits to his diet.

What drugs to treat the Epstein-Barr virus?

The disease has unpleasant clinical manifestations. Therefore, the use of drugs in the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus in adults is symptomatic. In addition to general medicines, therapeutic measures are prescribed:

"Ganciclovir";
"Alpha Interferon";
"Prednisolone".

In the treatment of EBV, the drug "Ganciclovir" is used, which is administered intravenously. The dosage is up to 0.015 g / kg 3 times every day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. In individual cases, the drug is used up to 20 days. If the infection proceeds in a chronic form, then the dosage is 0.005 g / kg. This is done during a prophylactic course to avoid recurrence of the infection. In this case, the injection continues long time. In addition, Ganciclovir tablets are actively used.

In a severe form of Epstein-Barr infection in adults, potent medications are used, which include immunoglobulin. The drug is used for internal administration. The dosage is 4 ml / kg during the day. During the course of treatment, do not exceed 2 g / kg of the amount of medication per day.

Is the virus treated at home or traditional medicine?

Therapeutic therapy at home for Epstein-Barr virus in adults does not differ from stationary conditions. At the same time, doctors allow you to take some medicines at home. However, self-medication is not allowed. To get a positive result, you need to interact with qualified specialists.

It will take much more time to cure the Epstein-Barr virus using traditional medicine than in a hospital. In addition, to use herbal remedies, you will need to consult with your doctor. traditional medicine used as an additional therapy to consolidate the positive results of treatment.

Some symptoms of the disease begin to appear after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the state of health than to wait for serious signs of infection. Therapeutic measures for Epstein-Barr disease are more effective if the patient recovers in a hospital setting. In this case, the general treatment regimen is to take medicines and vitamin complexes. Some drugs are given by injection. Self-treatment and the introduction of drugs in the wrong dosage will lead to unpleasant consequences.

What tissues are affected by the virus

Epstein-Barr virus has tropism (the ability to interact) to:

lymphoid tissues - causes an increase in lymph nodes, liver, spleen;
B-lymphocytes - multiplies in B-lymphocytes, without destroying them, but accumulating inside the cells;
epithelium of the respiratory tract;
epithelium of the digestive tract.

The uniqueness of the Epstein-Barr virus is that it does not destroy infected cells (B-lymphocytes), but provokes their reproduction and growth (proliferation) in the body.

Another feature of EBV is the ability to exist for life in infected cells. This process is called persistence.

Methods of infection

Epstein-Barr virus refers to anthroponotic infections, transmitted through people. EBV is often found in the saliva of people with immunodeficiencies, such as those with HIV.

Epstein-Barr virus survives in a humid environment, which makes it easier to enter the body, it is transmitted, like herpes:

airborne way;
tactile through the hands, saliva when kissing;
during blood transfusion;
transplacental way - infection in the fetus from a woman occurs in utero, and the child is already born with symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus.

EBV dies when heated, dried, treated with antiseptics. Infection occurs in childhood in children from 2 to 10 years. The second peak of Epstein-Barr infection occurs at the age of 20-30 years.

There are especially many infected in developing countries, where by the age of 3 all children are infected. The disease lasts 2-4 weeks. Acute symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus infection appear in the first 2 weeks.

Mechanism of infection

Epstein-Barr virus infection enters the body through the nasopharyngeal mucosa, affects B-lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, causing the first clinical symptoms in adults and children.

After 5 - 43 days of the incubation period, infected B-lymphocytes enter the bloodstream, from where they spread throughout the body. The duration of the incubation period of the Epstein-Barr virus is on average 7 days.

In in vitro (in vitro) experiments, B-lymphocytes infected with EBV infection are characterized by "immortality". They acquire the ability to multiply by division indefinitely.

It is assumed that this property underlies malignant changes in the body during EBV infection.

The immune system counteracts the spread of infected B-lymphocytes with the help of another group of lymphocytes - T-killers. These cells respond to the viral antigen that appears on the surface of the infected B-lymphocyte.

Natural killer NK cells are also activated. These cells destroy infected B-lymphocytes, after which EBV becomes available for inactivation by antibodies.

After recovery, immunity to infection is created. Antibodies in EBV are found throughout life.

Symptoms

The outcome of EBV infection depends on the state of the human immune system. Symptoms of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus in adults may be manifested only by moderate activity of liver enzymes and do not require treatment.

Epstein-Barr virus infection can occur with erased symptoms, manifested by an increase in the cervical lymph nodes, as in the photo. But with a decrease in the immune reactivity of the body, especially with insufficient activity of T-lymphocytes, infectious mononucleosis of varying severity may develop.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus occurs in a mild, moderate, severe form. With an atypical form, the disease can be asymptomatic in a latent (latent) form, recurring with a decrease in immune reactivity.

In young children, the disease proceeds, as it begins acutely. Adults are characterized by a less acute onset when infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the gradual development of symptoms.

The following forms of the virus are distinguished by the nature of the course:

sharp;
protracted;
chronic.

Epstein-Barr infection is detected at a young age. In manifestations, it resembles, accompanied by severe swelling of the tonsils.

Purulent follicular tonsillitis with a dense coating on the tonsils may develop. See what a sore throat looks like in the photo in the article What does a sore throat look like in adults and children.

Nasal congestion and eyelid edema are characteristic of EBV.

The first symptoms of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus are signs of intoxication:

headache, muscle pain;
lack of appetite;
sometimes nausea;
weakness.

Symptoms of infection develop within a week. A sore throat appears and intensifies, the temperature rises to 39 degrees. An increase in temperature is observed in 90% of patients, but, unlike ARVI, the rise in temperature is not accompanied by chills or increased sweating.

A high temperature can last for more than a month, but more often lasts from 2 days to 3 weeks. After recovery, subfebrile temperature may persist for a long time (up to six months).

Characteristic features

Typical manifestations of infection are:

enlarged lymph nodes - first, the tonsils of the pharyngeal ring, cervical lymph nodes increase, then - axillary, inguinal, mesenteric;
angina - the virus affects the respiratory tract in this area;
skin rash caused by allergic reactions;
joint pain due to the action of immune complexes that arise in response to the introduction of viruses;
abdominal pain caused by enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.

One of the most typical symptoms is a symmetrical enlargement of the lymph nodes, which:

reach the size of a pea or walnut;
freely displaced under the skin, not soldered to it;
dense to the touch;
do not suppurate;
do not get drunk among themselves;
slightly painful, surrounding tissues may be edematous.

The size of the lymph nodes decreases after 3 weeks, but sometimes they remain enlarged for a long time.

Typically for infection, the appearance of pain occurs due to enlarged tonsils, which are hyperemic, covered with a white coating.

Not only the tonsils become inflamed, but also other tonsils of the pharyngeal ring, including, because of which the voice becomes nasal.

Epstein-Barr infection is characterized by an increase in the size of the liver by 2 weeks, the appearance of icteric coloration of the skin. The size of the liver is normalized after 3-5 weeks.
The spleen also increases, and even to a greater extent than the liver, but after 3 weeks of illness, its size returns to normal.

Infection with Epstein-Barr viruses is often accompanied by signs of allergy. In a quarter of patients, infection is manifested by the appearance of a rash, Quincke's edema.

Chronic form of infectious mononucleosis

Chronic infection with EBV leads to immunodeficiency, due to which a fungal or bacterial infection joins the viral infection.

The patient constantly experiences:

headache;
discomfort in muscles and joints;
seizures;
weakness;
mental disorders, memory impairment;
depression
constant feeling of fatigue.

Signs of Burkitt's lymphoma

A malignant disease Burkitt's lymphoma often develops in children from 3 to 7 years old, young men, is a tumor of the lymph nodes of the upper jaw, small intestine, abdominal cavity. The disease often occurs in individuals who have had mononucleosis.

To establish the diagnosis, a biopsy of the affected tissues is performed. In the treatment of Burkitt's lymphoma use:

chemotherapy;
antiviral drugs;
immunomodulators.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is more common in men aged 30-50 years, the disease is common in China. The disease is manifested by a sore throat, a change in the timbre of the voice.

Carcinoma is treated with surgery, during which enlarged lymph nodes are removed. The operation is combined with chemotherapy.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at increasing immune reactivity, for which Isoprinosine, Viferon, alpha-interferon are used. Against the virus, drugs are used that stimulate the production of interferon in the body:

Neovir - from birth;
Anaferon - from 3 years;
Cycloferon - from 4 years;
Amiksin - after 7 years.

The activity of the virus inside the cells is suppressed by drugs from the group of abnormal nucleotides, such as Valtrex, Famvir, Cymeven.

To increase immunity appoint:

immunoglobulins, interferons - Intraglobin, Reaferon;
immunomodulators - Timogen, Likopid,;
cytokines - Leukinferon.

In addition to specific antiviral and immunomodulatory treatment, Epstein-Barr virus uses:

antihistamines - Fenkarol, Tavegil, Zirtek;
glucocorticosteroids in severe disease;
antibiotics for angina of the macrolide group, such as Sumamed, Erythromycin, a group of tetracyclines, Cefazolin;
probiotics - Bifiform, Probiform;
hepatoprotectors for maintaining the liver - Essentiale, Gepabene, Karsil, Ursosan.

For fever, cough, nasal congestion and other symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus infection, treatment is prescribed, including antipyretics,.

Despite the variety of drugs, a unified scheme for how and how to treat infectious mononucleosis in adults and children with infection with the Epstein-Barr virus has not been developed.

Clinical forms of the Epstein-Barr virus

After recovery, patients are on dispensary records for six months. Once every 3 months, donate blood and oropharyngeal mucus to the EBV.

The disease rarely causes complications. But in severe forms of EBV, the infection passes into a persistent state, and can manifest itself:

Hodgkin's lymphoma - cancer of the lymph nodes;
systemic hepatitis;
autoimmune diseases - multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus;
tumors of the salivary glands, intestines, leukoplakia of the tongue;
lymphocytic pneumonia;
chronic fatigue syndrome.

Forecast

The prognosis for infection with Epstein-Barr viruses is favorable. Complications leading to death are extremely rare.

The danger is virus. Under adverse conditions, which, among other things, may be associated with a decrease in immunity, they can cause relapses of chronic infectious mononucleosis, manifest themselves in various malignant forms of Epstein-Barr infection.

Are you tired, all parts of your body hurt, your throat is hoarse, your lymph nodes may swell, you are worried about a slight temperature, and also these symptoms do not want to recede? By browsing the description of many of the symptoms on the Internet, you may stumble upon the Epstein-Barr virus. It is these gsymptoms that can most coincide with your own.

If you know that the Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis, then you may be wondering: what distinguishes chronic Epstein-Barr virus from infectious mononucleosis? And then the following questions: what makes Epstein-Barr virus infection chronic and how is it related to other chronic diseases?

IN Epstein-Barr virus almost all people have

Let's start with the fact that the Epstein-Barr virus is much more widespread than you might think: more than 95 percent of the world's population has been ill with this infection.

Another fact of interest is that EBV is a herpes virus. Yes, you read correctly. EBV is the closest relative of the genital virus that causes genital herpes. Also known in professional parlance as human herpes virus 4 ( human herpes virus 4 , HHV-4) is the fourth of nine herpes viruses that a person can contract.

Herpes viruses consist of strands of DNA located inside the shell. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the tissues for life, and when the function of the immune system slows down, it can be activated again.

In other words, once you have been infected with a herpes virus such as EBV, it will remain in your tissues forever.

Epstein-Barr virus stages

Childhood

Most EBV infection occurs in infancy and early childhood. The virus is spread mainly by the oral route through saliva. The virus enters the body through the mouth, throat and mucous membrane that envelops the stomach. There, the virus infects antibody-producing leukocytes - B cells. To a lesser extent, T-cells are also infected - natural killers. Infected white blood cells carry EBV throughout the body.

Active (lysis) stage

In this active stage, called the lysis stage, the virus takes over the machinery of the cells to begin producing new viruses. It is at this time that a person has all the most obvious symptoms and is infectious.

The virus spreads extremely quickly, especially in childhood. The spreaders are mainly carriers of the infection who do not know about it themselves - kindergarten workers, nannies and grandmothers kissing children. An infected child quickly infects other children.

In fact, this is good, because at a tender age (don't forget to thank your grandmother) this disease is usually very easy to bear. Only if a person was not infected with the Epstein-Barr virus as a child and later, then there is a danger that EBV can cause mononucleosis.

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as kissing infection, is spread through close contact with a person who spreads the virus. Most often it occurs in young adults who have not previously encountered the virus. In most cases, EBV overtakes a person unexpectedly, at a time when the immune system is weakened. For example, to a stressful school or university period.

Compared with EBV infection in childhood, infectious mononucleosis is much more difficult. The most common symptoms are sore throat, fever, extreme fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness can last for months and be quite debilitating.

It makes no difference whether the first encounter with EBV occurs as a mild childhood infection or in young adults as debilitating mononucleosis. Eventually the body's immune system will triumph and the infection will recede.

However, the virus does not die. It exists further in storage B cells, leukocytes. Their task is to remember the incoming information about the infection for its further recognition. However, in this case, the virus sabotages them from saving itself. Epstein-Barr virus-infected storage B cells accumulate in lymphatic and nerve tissues and remain there throughout life.

Resting state (latent stage)

This state of rest is called latent stage. Previously, it was believed that the latent stage of the virus is not contagious. Nevertheless, it turned out that EBV can be very contagious and without symptoms of the disease. According to the latest data, the active distributors of the virus living in the tissue of the tonsils are often people who have no symptoms at all.

It doesn't matter if EBV has completely subsided or is asymptomatic, it usually does not cause significant problems as long as the immune system is functioning normally. You can freely be a virus carrier all your life without realizing it, like most people.

However, as soon as any factor such as stress, wrong eating habits or any other factor described above will weaken the immune system. Then, EBV can reactivate and show symptoms that are characteristic of mononucleosis, but much more severe.

The newly activated Epstein-Barr virus can cause chronic infection with EBV.

Chronic EBV infection is a more diabolical variant of mononucleosis.

Symptoms of a resurgent EBV infection are severe chronic fatigue, persistent aching pain, chronic sore throat and mucosal irritation, swollen lymph nodes, and a range of debilitating neurological phenomena. Symptoms can last for years, worsening one time and relieving another time. In more severe cases, kidney dysfunction, slowed immune response, and anemia may occur.

Epstein-Barr virus, along with other viruses, is a dangerous combination

In addition to EBV, there are often other herpes viruses in the human body. These include virus types 1 And 2 herpes simplex (labial and genital herpes), virus Varicella zoster (which causes both chickenpox and shingles) cytomegalovirus(CMV), options A And B HHV-6, HHV-7 And HHV -8.

However, all of these viruses belong to the same family, they infect differently and therefore have slightly different symptoms. Basically, they are all much more similar - they hide / hide in tissues in a calm state and, like EBV, can be activated again.

If the weakening of the immune system allows several herpes viruses to be activated at the same time, then the symptoms can be severe and very variable.

However, this is not all. Many people who are sick chronic tick-borne borreliosis or Lyme disease or suffer from fibromyalgia or from chronic fatigue syndrome, detect newly activated EBV and other herpes viruses, as well as various bacteria, including those from Mycoplasma, bartonella And Chlamydia and this list is supplemented with new bacteria.

This very clearly indicates that the re-activation of EBV probably does not consist only in the activation of EBV.

Relationships between Epstein-Barr virus and chronic diseases

There are many links between Epstein-Barr virus and chronic diseases. Research on the links between chronic EBV infection and other chronic diseases is still in its infancy, with the link between EBV and multiple sclerosis being the most studied. Numerous studies have uncovered many mechanisms of how the multiple sclerosis virus is excited and amplifies. The available evidence does not allow us to name EBV viruses as the only causative agent of multiple sclerosis, but with big share probabilities indicate the importance of the virus in the onset and course of the disease.

Studies have also shown a high level of EBV activity in many autoimmune diseases, incl. in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic Lupus erythematosus, (lupus erythematosus), Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis. And there is a clear link here, but there is not enough evidence to prove that EBV is the only source of the disease.

Recent research data suggest that the multiple sclerosis the combined effect of EBV and HHV/HHV-6a may play a role. Multiple sclerosis is also associated with many bacteria, including but not limited to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma sp.., Spherula insularis and paramyxovirus.

For these and many other microbes that are often used for latent pathogens, the common low virulence. Pathogens:

can live inside the cell;
infect blood leukocytes, which spread the infection throughout the body, and especially in the area of inflammation;
can be a long time in the body in a calm state;
masterfully manipulate the immune system;
can hide in the human body without inciting the disease;
found in all races throughout the world.

The more we delve into the topic, the more links between chronic diseases and hidden microbes are revealed. However, after a while you realize that it's not so much the microbes that cause problems. Namely in weakened immune system of the body which allows these microbes to multiply.

In other words, a whole army of hidden microbes can live in the human body - EBV, CMV, HHV-7, Borrelia, Bartonella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia. But he won't get sick until then. while his immune system is functioning at full capacity.

However, as soon as something weakens the immune system, like boiling milk from a pot on a hot stove, there is an explosive multiplication of microbes, which causes the disease.

Chronic immunosuppression causes coincidence of unfavorable circumstances

Our microbes are always in the body - our own apparently comfortably take root already from childhood. However, the disease does not occur until the coincidence of several adverse circumstances weaken the immune system. For some, these circumstances include years of chronic insomnia caused by a fluctuating work schedule. It can be poor-quality food eaten on the run or some small sources of stress.

Recovery still begins with getting rid of the original cause - chronic immune dysfunction.

As unbelievable as it may seem, the author came to the conclusion that The causes of all chronic diseases point to these seven factors. We decided to call them body destroyers. This theory has been tested for ten years, and it has always been confirmed. For their theory, specific scientific evidence.

Seven destroyers of the body

Wrong nutrition. We live in a world that is flooded with artificially manipulated food. The constant use of such food disrupts the entire functioning of the body.
Toxins.. Artificial toxic compounds are everywhere today and worsen all the mechanisms of self-healing of the body.
emotional stress. . The endless pursuit of this so-called evil spirit slows down digestion, weakens the immune system, interferes with sleep, and paves the way for chronic disease.
physical stress. The accumulation of injuries that destroy the body and extreme heat or cold, although a sedentary lifestyle is no better.
oxidative stress. As a by-product of energy production, every cell in the body is constantly producing free radicals. And free radicals destroy the internal structures of the cell. Inflammation is also damage caused by free radicals.
artificial radiation. Normal background radiation from the sun and solar system, and from the earth itself increased, pouring out an excess dose of radiation.
Microbes. These body destroyers set the stage for chronic disease. In the case of every patient with a chronic illness, I can always find those circumstances, the coincidence of which brought the person to the disease. Which chronic disease a patient develops always depends on three factors.

from human genes. which determine the predisposition, but not whether the disease will manifest itself.
From various so. called latent pathogens with low virulence that accumulate in the body throughout life.
As destroyers of the body cause a violation of immunity, which gives so. called latent pathogens with low virulence multiply and also unbalance microbiome organism and disrupt homeostatic functions.

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic EBV infection

To define chronic EBV infection, one must start by ruling out infectious mononucleosis. To isolate mononucleosis, it is worth doing tests for chronic EBV infection.

If you have symptoms of a chronic EBV infection, it is likely that you have the Epstein-Barr virus in your body. As for the treatment of chronic EBV infection, they help with chronic EBV infection. The reason for this is effective antiviral substances for mononucleosis.

Unfortunately, there is no help for chronic EBV infection from antiviral drugs.

Scientists have found a scientific rationale for this. The action of antiviral agents is based on DNA polymerase, an enzyme that the virus uses for intracellular reproduction. In latent or chronic EBV infection, the virus does not require DNA polymerase. Therefore, modern antiviral agents for chronic EBV infection do not help.

Other conventional treatments that are used for chronic EBV infection have shown little success. For example, steroids (prednisolone) and immunosuppressants have been used. Of course, these drugs can prevent the violation of the immune system. However, they cannot restore the normal functioning of the immune system.

Many scientists have tried to develop a vaccine for the Epstein-Barr virus, but geographically the virus is very different. Therefore, the creation of a vaccine suitable for all is not yet possible.

As a result, the cause of the disease is chronic immune dysfunction. Health will not improve if the normal functioning of the immune system is not restored.

A practical way to restore health

As long as the immune system works smoothly, the Epstein-Barr virus does not cause problems. Therefore, it is necessary to restore the normal functioning of the immune system.

The first and most important step is to contain the seven destroyers of the body. Favorable environment is very important for overcoming chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection. This can be achieved by optimizing nutrition and lifestyle changes.

An important basis of restorative treatment is modern herbal medicine. Herbal extracts have an incredibly good effect. Including, they:

reduce destructive inflammation;
support natural killer cells and other immune responses needed to keep germs such as EBV under control;
restore hormonal balance, disturbed due to a chronic disease;
suppress the so-called latent microbes to restore the balance of the microbiome.

Of course, many plants suppress Epstein-Barr virus, but it rarely occurs on its own. Chronic immune dysfunction favors the multiplication of latent pathogens with low virulence. Therefore, a solid treatment regimen with multiple herbal extracts is needed.

Effective herbal extracts to restore the normal functioning of the immune system and suppress viruses, including EBV:

lacquered polypore (Ganoderma lacquered, Reishi)
andrographis paniculata
bindweed mountaineer (bindweed fallopia)
soothing skullcap
ginger
uncaria pubescent (cat's claw)
physalis angular

In many cases, only restorative treatment already gives a therapeutic effect. Drug treatment is necessary only in severe cases or when the disease is not subject to restorative treatment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to cooperate with the doctor during the entire healing process.

Fortunately, there is good news for those suffering from chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection. Achieving better well-being is in the hands of the individual. By learning to reduce the number of body destroyers in your life, you will begin to strengthen your immune system. As a result, the body will be able to put up with microbes such as the Epstein-Barr virus.

Dr. Rawls is a doctor who himself recovered from Lyme disease with the support of herbal treatment. For more information about tick-borne borreliosis, Lyme disease, and Rawls' recovery, read his bestseller. Unlocking Lyme(Overcoming of tick-borne borreliosis). Also, you can read about the path of Dr. Rawls to identify tick-borne borreliosis in his blog.

Epstein-Barr virus infection (EBVI) is the most common infection in the world, as evidenced by the high level of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the population. According to WHO, infection varies within 75% -90% of the entire population of the planet, including children. Like other herpes viruses, EBV persists for life in immunocytes, causing a manifest form of the disease or a latent infection.

EBVI is an acute/chronic infectious disease caused by the EB virus, which is based on damage to the lymphoreticular and immune systems of the body. EBV is the etiological agent of a number of infections. The most common manifest form of primary EBVI is Infectious mononucleosis (IM), found in the literature as Epstein Barr's disease , less often Filatov's disease or Filatov's symptom . It is also an etiological factor nasopharyngeal carcinoma , Burkitt's lymphomas , lymphoproliferative syndrome associated with the X chromosome, autoimmune diseases. Another clinical manifestation of EBV infection is chronic fatigue syndrome . The pathogenetic role of EBVI in lymphomatoid granulomatosis, peripheral T cell lymphoma , angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy , and in immunocompromised individuals - lymphoma central nervous system.

Often, Epstein-Barr virus infection can occur in the form of an unverified acute respiratory infection, various EBV-associated pathological conditions, or are generally asymptomatic. EBVI is one of the most common infectious diseases in children. Long-term replication of EBV contributes to a high infectious morbidity in children and their transition to the group of frequently/long-term ill children and is accompanied by a violation of the normal development of the child's body, a decrease in the quality of life of the child.

Pathogenesis

The entry gate for the EB virus is the mucosal epithelium of the upper respiratory tract. Penetrating through the intact layers of the mucosa, the virus is adsorbed on the cells of the epithelium of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, thymus, epithelium of the tubules of the salivary glands and infects IN- And T-lymphocytes , neutrophils , natural macrophages , endotheliocytes . The number of affected cells after infection begins to increase through uncontrolled virus-dependent cell proliferation and the virus spreads through the lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood throughout the body.

In cells infected with a virus, two types of its reproduction can occur: lytic - productive (leading to lysis of the host cell, i.e., to death) and latent, when the cell is not destroyed, and the persistence of EBV in the epithelial cells of the salivary glands, the mucosa of the nasopharyngeal region and transformed B-lymphocytes leads to the constant carriage of the virus. In the active form (acute infection), predominantly lytic replication of the virus is observed, which is accompanied by the production of viral glycoproteins and is manifested by manifest forms of the disease.

Infection with EBV leads to a weakening of the activity of innate resistance factors (inhibition of the T-cell link) and contributes to the formation of an inadequate immune response mechanism predominantly by the cellular type (a disorder in the mechanism of regulation of the immune response by T-helper types 1 and 2). In conditions of insufficiency / absence of a specific immune response - against the background of suppression of the production of interferon and the production of immunoglobulins, the body does not completely suppress the process of EBV replication, and under the influence of immunosuppressive factors (addition of mixed infection) the pathogen is reactivated.

It is the immune status disorders that are the main pathogenetic background that contributes to the long-term persistence of EBV in tissue cells. EBV in the process of chronic persistence in the cells of the immune system and epithelium independently implements complex mechanisms of immunosuppression, which does not allow the body's immune system to control the infectious process.

Classification

There are several different clinical forms of EBVI:

chronic active EBV infection;
nasopharyngeal carcinoma ;
X-linked lymphoproliferative disease: malignant lymphomas , acquired hypogammaglobulinemia ;
Burkitt's lymphoma ;
lymphoproliferative disease: B-cell lymphoma , plasmatic hyperplasia ;
Hodgkin's disease ;
immunoblastic lymphoma .

According to the occurrence, congenital and acquired EBV infection is distinguished.

Along the course: acute (lasting up to 3 months), protracted (3-6 months) and chronic (6 or more months).

In form: typical (infectious mononucleosis), atypical (asymptomatic, erased, visceral).

Severity: light, medium and heavy.

Causes

The etiological factor of Epstein-Barr virus infection, as already mentioned, is the Epstein-Barr virus. First, consider the question: "Epstein Barr virus - what is it"?

EBV is one of the members of the herpes virus family and belongs to the fourth type of herpes viruses (HHV-4). Able to persist in the human body for life. It has an oncogenic and opportunistic effect. Being a lymphotropic agent, it causes diseases of the immune system, the leading syndromes of which are lymphoproliferation and immune deficiency.

The DNA of the herpes virus is represented by a double-stranded molecule. The HHV-4 virion surrounds the viral nucleic acid, together with which it forms a 25-sided protein icosahedral capsid. The diameter of the virus is 120-150 nm. The general view of the virus is shown in the figure below. The outer shell of the virus (supercapsid) has glycoprotein spikes that act as the receptor apparatus of the virus.

Epstein-Barr virus

The outer shell of the virus (supercapsid) has glycoprotein spikes that act as the receptor apparatus of the virus. The virus has a complex antigenic structure, including several groups of immunogenic proteins (antigens) - early, capsid, nuclear and membrane antigens.

Antigenic structure of EBV:

VEA virus early antigen;
VCA virus capsid antigen;
VNA virus nucleolar antigen;
VMA virus membrane antigen.

Epidemiology

The Epstein-Barr virus has a global distribution. The source of diseases is a carrier or a sick person. Transmission factors can be saliva, blood, vaginal secretions, semen, tears, donor tissue, breast milk, toys/household items contaminated with contaminated saliva. Isolation of the virus occurs throughout the entire period of the disease and after recovery (up to 6 months).

The virus is also found in healthy individuals (in 15-25%) in swabs from the oropharynx and saliva. At the same time, with a decrease in immunity, the frequency of VB isolation increases sharply. The susceptibility of the population to the EB virus is high. After infection with a virus, synthesis of virus proteins begins after 2 hours, and within 8 hours it accumulates in the maximum amount and virions with infectious properties appear. The virus in the external environment is extremely unstable, it dies under the influence of UV rays, disinfectants and drying of saliva drops.

The leading route of transmission of the virus is airborne (through kissing, talking, sneezing, coughing), less often - through the alimentary route (through food / water), contact-household (through household items-utensils), sexual, vertical route (from mother to fetus) and blood contact (during blood transfusion). The entrance gate is the epithelium of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. After primary infection, the virus remains in the epithelium of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, tonsillar crypts and B-lymphocytes during the incubation period.

The first infection with the virus in socially unfavorable countries / families occurs in childhood, mainly up to 3 years. In countries with developed economies and a high standard of living, the maximum infection occurs at the age of 15-18 years. Manifesting lesions are more recorded among males. And the reactivation of the infection is facilitated by factors that reduce local / general immunity and can occur at any age.

Factors contributing to the activation of the Epstein-Barr virus infection:

genetic predisposition.
Prolonged exposure to stress factors.
Pathology of ENT organs, frequent infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Decrease in general / local immunological reactivity of the body.
Chronic intoxication (abuse of alcohol, emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere).
Chemotherapy/irradiation.
Vaccination.

Epstein Barr symptoms

Currently, a number of syndromes and diseases are associated with EBV. Consider only the main, most common diseases. There are primary acute manifesting infectious process - infectious mononucleosis (synonyms: Filatov's disease or Filatov's symptom) and chronic EBV infection. Clinical variants of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection may be asymptomatic, in the form of a respiratory syndrome or infectious mononucleosis. Chronic EBV infection - in the form of erased forms and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Epstein-Barr virus symptoms in adults

In adults, Epstein-Barr virus infection most often occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis (THEM). The latent (incubation) period of the disease varies within 4-7 weeks. In most cases, the disease begins acutely with an increase in temperature to febrile numbers and an increase in symptoms of intoxication. The clinical symptom complex includes several characteristic syndromes - lymphoproliferative (lesion of the nasopharynx, acute, with hypertrophy of the lymphoid tissue); lymphadenopathy (lymph node syndrome) and hepatosplenomegaly . Their formation takes an average of 5-8 days.

Nasopharyngeal syndrome. Its early manifestation is pharyngitis with severe hypertrophy of the nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue, which manifests itself adenoiditis , difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring during sleep, sore throat. The characteristic symptom of MI is tonsillitis , manifested by hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the soft palate, and hyperplasia of the lymphoid follicles of the pharyngeal ring. It can proceed in a catarrhal, lacunar or ulcerative-necrotic form with long-term preservation of raids (up to 7-14 days), sometimes of a fibrinous nature. In cases with a secondary infection, ulcerative and ulcerative-necrotic plaques are noted on the surface of the tonsils, the hyperplasia of which reaches II-III degrees.
Syndrome of the defeat of the lymph nodes. It is manifested by a predominant and typical increase in the anterior-posterior lymph nodes. Less often, several groups of lymph nodes are involved in the process, including bronchial / mesenteric ones. The nodes are mobile, dense, painless / moderately painful, the skin over them is not changed, swelling around the lymph nodes of the subcutaneous tissue is not typical, in some cases - pastosity of the tissues. Cervical in some patients may be accompanied by pastosity of the eyelids or puffiness of the face.
Syndrome hepatosplenomegaly . Splenomegaly develops from the second week of the disease, approximately in 50% of patients and persists for a long time, and is typical for most cases.
Syndrome. It is registered in 10-18% of patients, appears on the 5th-10th day of the disease and manifests itself as an abundant maculopapular or hemorrhagic rash, sometimes confluent with localization on the limbs, trunk, face. In some cases, facial swelling and itching. The duration of the rash period does not exceed 10 days, and the reverse development occurs gradually over 1-2 weeks of illness and may be accompanied by peeling.

Atypical forms of MI:

Erased: proceeds in the form of acute respiratory diseases with mild, rapidly passing symptoms.
Asymptomatic: proceeds with the absence of symptoms and is diagnosed in saliva or lymphocytes by laboratory analysis methods - PCR.
Visceral shape: characteristic severe course with involvement in the process of the central/peripheral nervous and cardiovascular systems, kidneys, adrenal glands.

The symptoms of chronic EBVI are extremely polymorphic. More often they are manifested by weakness, prolonged unexplained genesis, lymphadenopathy, arthralgia /myalgia , soreness in the lymph nodes. There is chronic fatigue. The disease has an undulating course, often there are layers of opportunistic infections.

Chronic active EBVI is characterized by symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis , however, they are less pronounced, and the duration of the disease is more than 6 months. Much less often, chronic active EBVI manifests itself, pneumonia , uveitis , hypoplasia bone marrow. In patients with severe immune deficiency, there is a risk of developing generalized forms of EBV infection, which are characterized by CNS lesions ( , cerebellar ataxia ) and other internal organs (, severe forms hepatitis A ).

Epstein Barr virus symptoms in children

In most cases, in children, the symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus infection consist of supporting clinical syndromes characteristic of adults. However, primary infection with the virus in almost 50% of children is asymptomatic. Infectious mononucleosis in children has similar characteristic syndromes, but the course of the disease has some features.

First of all, the incubation period is shortened to 10-20 days. The disease proceeds with a more pronounced intoxication syndrome ( heat body), an increase in adenoid vegetations, hyperplasia of the tonsils of 3-4 degrees, asthenovegetative disorders, hypertrophy of the submandibular lymph nodes. In almost 40% of a third of children, acute EBVI occurs in the form of a mixed infection (with simple herpes , cytomegaloviruses , streptococci , staphylococci , Klebsiella , chlamydia or with associations of bacteria), which leaves an imprint on clinical manifestations.

The clinical symptoms of chronic EBVI in children are characterized by a recurrent long-term course and are manifested by weakness, subfebrile condition , difficult nasal breathing, pain in the joints / muscles, discomfort in the throat, rash, headaches, cough, heaviness in the right hypochondrium, emotional lability, sleep disturbance, severe asthenic syndrome. Epstein-Barr syndrome in children often occurs with the development tonsillitis , adenoiditis , hepatosplenomegaly different expression. In most cases, the symptomatology has a wave-like manifestation.

Analyzes and diagnostics

Material for laboratory research are: blood, sputum, urine, saliva, scrapings from the pharynx, swabs from the nasopharynx. Laboratory diagnostics includes the determination of antibodies to antigens of the EB virus in the blood and the detection of DNA and AG of the pathogen.

An analysis for the Epstein Barr virus (a serological method for confirming EBV infection) includes laboratory tests to determine specific antibodies . In addition, the identified type of antibodies allows you to determine the stage of the infectious process.

Deciphering a blood test for the Epstein-Barr virus (ELISA method):

The presence of IgM antibodies to the VCA capsid antigen are a serological marker of acute infection (they persist in 75% of blood patients for up to 3 months).
The presence of IgG antibodies to the EBNA nuclear antigen (IgG positive) is a serological marker for the end of the acute stage of infection.
The presence of IgG antibodies to VCA serve as a serological marker of past EBV infection.

Below is a summary table of the presence of antibodies in the blood and a breakdown of their presence at different stages of the disease.

Blood test - a classic clinical and laboratory manifestation of EBV infection is leukocytosis with absolute in combination with the presence of more than 10% of atypical mononuclear cells (CD-8 T-lymphocytes).
The PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) - allows you to determine the presence of EBV DNA in blood plasma at the earliest stage of infection, when antibodies to virus antigens are not yet detected (window period). One of the most effective methods diagnosis and monitoring of EBV infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals and children under 2 years of age.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with, adenovirus infection , pseudotuberculosis , .

Treatment of Epstein-Barr infection

First of all, where are patients with EBV infection treated? In most cases, isolation of the patient in the hospital is not required and treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is indicated only in cases of prolonged persistent, airway obstruction , expressed , syndrome tonsillitis , abdominal pain and in cases of neurological, surgical and hematological complications.

Epstein Barr treatment in adults

To date, the question of how to treat EBV infection in adults remains debatable. Most authors believe that in mild/moderate EBV MI, it is advisable to recommend general or semi-bed rest to patients. Current evidence suggests that the often recommended unreasonably strict bed rest is accompanied by a long-term asthenic syndrome and prolongs the recovery time. Bed rest may only be recommended for a period fever . In the acute period of the disease - isolation of the patient.

In case of mild course, treatment can be limited to supportive therapy, including, with severe discomfort in the throat, rinsing with antiseptic solutions in combination with / Xylocaine , adequate hydration. Symptomatic therapy is carried out:

with fever, antipyretic drugs are prescribed (, etc.);
with dry cough -, Glauvent ;
with a wet cough - mucolytic / expectorant drugs (, etc.);
with difficulty breathing through the nose - nasal preparations (, etc.).

A controversial issue is the appointment of antiviral drugs in patients with EBVI. There is a list of drugs that have an inhibitory effect on the replication of the Epstein-Barr virus in cell culture. These drugs include:

acyclic nucleoside analogues ( , Valganciclovir ), which inhibit the activity of DNA polymerase of the EB virus;
acyclic nucleotide analogs ( Adefovir , Cidofovir );
pyrophosphate analogues ( Foscarnet , Phosphonoacetylic acid ).

However, it is important to understand that most of the symptoms are not directly related to the direct cytopathic effect of the EB virus, but are due to an indirect immunopathological response of B-lymphocytes infected with the virus, which are located in the tissue cells of the affected organs and in the blood. Therefore, some of them (analogues of nucleosides - Acyclovir , Ganciclovir ) do not have a significant clinical effect on the severity/duration of symptoms. When prescribing antiviral drugs, it must be understood that the clinical efficacy of these drugs also depends on the correct interpretation of the symptoms of the disease, the stage of the infectious process, and (very importantly) the development cycle of the virus at each stage.

Most experts believe that the appointment of antiviral drugs in mild and moderate forms of the course is inappropriate. Indications for their use may be a severe/complicated course of the disease in immunocompromised patients in order to prevent EBV-associated leukoplakia and B-cell lymphoproliferation.

In the complex therapy of EBVI, the introduction of immunoglobulins (intravenously) is recommended - ( Alphaglobin , Immunovenin , Gammar-P , Gabriglobin , Sandoglobulin , intraglobin , ) and recombinant alpha-interferons ( , ). In a severe form of the disease, as an interferon inducer, you can use Cycloferon .

The feasibility of prescribing antibacterial drugs is controversial. According to most authors, the prescription of antibiotics is justified only when a bacterial infection or complications are attached ( pneumonia , pleurisy ). The choice of drug depends on the sensitivity of microorganisms on the tonsils to antibiotics.

For this purpose, both local antibacterial agents ( , ) and systemic antibacterial drugs ( macrolides cephalosporins , carbapenems ) - , cephalosporin , ; when joining a fungal infection -,.

In chronic EBVI with the development of asthenic syndrome, adaptogens are prescribed (, rhodiola rosea , ginseng , aralia , lemongrass , ginger ), complex vitamin and mineral preparations (, Multi-tabs , Vibovit , ).

According to indications, basic therapy can be intensified by adding immunomodulators (

Epstein-Barr virus study last years radically changed the idea of everything related to health. It exhausts the human body in full, causing a variety of and sometimes unrelated pathologies.

It turned out that the Epstein-Barr virus, from the category of those diseases that no one had previously considered diseases, causes significant harm to humans, and is also the root cause and trigger of many unpleasant and even dangerous health problems.

This infection is not amenable to complete extermination and continues to spoil a person's life from the moment it enters the body, causing the most unpredictable consequences. According to statistics, the Epstein-Barr virus lives in the body of 60% of children under the age of 5 years and in almost 100% of the adult population of the planet Earth.

What is this disease?

This virus is from the herpetic family, namely herpes type 4. The Epstein-Barr virus strikes at the immune system, the central nervous system, as well as all human systems and organs.

Penetrating through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, it enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. That is why EBV is very diverse and can have various manifestations, ranging from mild discomfort to extremely serious health problems.

There are cases when the carrier of the Epstein-Barr virus never suffers from its manifestations. Many famous doctors consider him the culprit of all existing diseases among mankind.

In medical literature, for better visual perception, the Epstein-Barr virus is abbreviated VEB or WEB.

Disease prevalence

WEB is one of the most common viruses in the world among the population. According to WHO (World Health Organization) statistics, 9 out of 10 people are carriers of this herpes infection.

Despite this, his research began quite recently, so it cannot be said that he is well studied. Babies often become infected with EBV in utero or in the first few months after birth.

Recent studies show that it is the Epstein-Barr virus that is the provoking factor in other pathologies that cannot be completely cured.

Namely:

Rheumatoid polyarthritis;
Autoimmune thyroidin;
Diabetes.

However, the infection does not lead to diseases on its own, but interacting with other viral lesions.

If a person is prone to chronic fatigue syndrome and it seems to him that he does not get enough sleep, there is a lack of vitamins in the body, or a reaction to weather conditions, then it is possible that it is the Epstein-Barr virus that provokes all of the above symptoms.

Often it is the cause of the decline in vitality.

Ways of infection

Sources of EBV infection are:

Those who have it in active form since the last days of the incubation period;
People who contracted the virus more than six months ago;
Any carrier of the virus is a potential source of infection for everyone with whom it comes into contact.

The most vulnerable categories for potential infection:

Women during pregnancy;
HIV positive;
Children under the age of 10 years.

WEB transmission paths:

How does infection occur in adults?

Stages of infection:

Symptoms of the disease

Most often, people become infected with EBV during early childhood (childhood or adolescence), because it has many routes of transmission through contact with an infected person.

In adults, the Epstein-Barr virus is reactivated and does not have acute symptoms.

Symptoms of primary infection:

The chronic course of the Epstein-Barr virus is characterized by a long-term manifestation of symptoms. different kind and intensity level.

Namely:

Rapid fatigue and general weakness;
Strong sweating;
Difficulty in nasal breathing;
Pain in the joints and muscles;
Periodic mild cough;
Persistent headaches;
Aching pain in the right hypochondrium;
Mental disorders, emotional instability, depressive states, deterioration in concentration and memory lapses;
sleep disorders;
Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal disorders.

Photos of the manifestations of the virus:

Why is the Epstein-Barr virus dangerous in adults?

With a single infection, Epstein-Barr remains forever in the human body. In good health, the course of the infection has no pronounced symptoms or with minimal manifestations.

When the immune system of an infected person is weakened by other factors, then, as a rule, the Epstein-Barr virus affects the following organs and systems:

Mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs;
epithelial cells;
Nerve fibers;
macrophages;
NK cells;
T-lymphocytes.

The Epstein-Barr virus is extremely dangerous for HIV-positive people. Infection with them can lead to death for them.

What diseases can provoke the Epstein-Barr virus in adults?

Complicated consequences:

Development of oncopathologies:

Lymphoma;
Lymphogranuloma;
Gland cancer, neoplasms of ENT organs;
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.

Epstein-Barr cells are found in most biopsy samples along with malignant cells. It is not the main cause of cancerous tumors, but acts as a provoking factor along with other pathologies.

Diseases of the autoimmune system:

Diabetes;
Multiple sclerosis;
Arthritis.

The Epstein-Barr virus, along with other cell-damaging viruses, leads to impaired immune responses. Immunity perceives its own cells as enemy cells and begins to attack them, thus damaging them.

Immunity disorders:

Diseases of the circulatory system:

Among other things, the presence of EBV can provoke the development of bacterial and fungal diseases. As well as damage to the central nervous system and a decrease in the general tone of the body, as a result of which chronic fatigue syndrome develops.

Diagnostic Measures

If EBV infection is suspected, the patient turns to a general practitioner who conducts an on-site examination and analysis of the patient's complaints.

Research methods to detect the Epstein-Barr virus:

ELISA- allows you to determine the presence of antibodies to various Epstein-Barr antigens, this helps to identify the form of infection: chronic, acute, asymptomatic;
PCR- using this method, it is possible to find out if a person has a virus. It is used for children whose immature immune system does not produce antibodies to EBV. Also, this method is used for clarifying purposes in case of doubtful ELISA results.

Decryption of PCR analyzes:

The main criterion makes it possible to find out about the presence of a virus in the body;
The result can be positive or negative;
At the same time, a positive result does not in any way indicate the presence of an acute or chronic process, despite the presence of EBV in humans;
A positive test result means that the patient has already contracted EBV;
With a negative analysis, it can be said with confidence that EBV has never penetrated into the human body.

Explanation of ELISA analyzes:

For all antigens, ELISA, in addition to a positive or negative result, is still doubtful;
In case of a doubtful result, the analysis must be retaken after 7-10 days;
In the case of a positive result, the Epstein-Barr virus is present in the body;
According to the results, which antigens were detected, one can judge the stage of infection (asymptomatic, chronic, acute).

This analysis allows you to determine the presence of an antigen in the human body:

lgG to VCA capsid antigen- in case of a negative result, the human body has never encountered EBV. But at the same time, there may be the presence of EBV cells in the body if the infection occurred 10 to 15 days ago. A positive result indicates the presence of the virus in humans. But he cannot say what stage the infection is in and when exactly the infection occurred. Results:
- from 0.9 to 1 - the analysis is required to be retaken;
gG to EBNA nuclear antigen- with a positive result, a person is immune to EBV, but this does not indicate a chronic course of the infection, with a negative analysis, a virus of this type has never entered the patient's body. Results:
- up to 0.8 - the result is negative;
- from 1.1 - the result is positive;
- from 0.9 to 1 - the analysis requires a retake;
lgG to EA early antigen- in the case when lgG to the anti-lgG-NA nuclear antigen is negative, then the infection has occurred recently, is the primary infection. Results:
- up to 0.8 - the result is negative;
- from 1.1 - the result is positive;
- 0.9 -1 - the analysis requires a retake;
lgM to VCA capsid antigen- with a positive result, we are talking about a recent infection (up to three months), as well as reactivation of the infection in the body. A positive indicator of this antigen can be present from 3 months to a year. Close-to-positive anti-lgM-VCA may also indicate a chronic infection. In the acute course of Epstein-Barr, this analysis is looked at in dynamics so that one can judge the adequacy of treatment. Results:
- up to 0.8 - the result is negative;
- from 1.1 and above - the result is positive;
- from 0.9 to 1 - the analysis requires a retake.

Deciphering the analysis on VEB

To accurately decipher the result of a laboratory test for EBV, it is advisable to use the table:

Stages of infection	anti-IgG-NA	anti-IgG-EA	anti-IgG-VCA	anti-IgM-VCA
No virus in the body	—	—	—	—
Primary infection	—	—	—	+
Primary infection in the acute stage	—	++	++++	++
Recent infection (less than six months)	—	++	++++	+
Infection happened in the past	+	-/+	+++	—
chronic course	-/+	+++	++++	-/+
The virus is in the stage of reactivation (exacerbation)	-/+	+++	++++	-/+
The presence of tumors provoked by EBV	-/+	+++	++++	-/+

Treatment Methods

VEB, like the rest, cannot be completely cured. EBV cells remain in the body for life, and their influence is controlled by the immune system. When immunity decreases, the virus becomes active.

General principles of treatment

These include the following basic principles:

Infection activity is blocked by antiviral drugs and stimulation of the general resistance of the organism. With all its possibilities, even modern medicine cannot help kill all Epstein-Barr virus cells, or eliminate them completely from the body;
Infectious mononucleosis being treated in a hospital or at home under the supervision of a specialist;
Additionally, the patient is prescribed bed rest and a balanced diet. with limited physical activity. The patient is recommended to drink plenty of water, including in the diet fermented milk products, food with sufficient protein content. Exclusion of products that can cause allergic reactions;
Chronic fatigue syndrome will help neutralize:
- Compliance with sleep and rest;
- Balanced diet;
- Vitamin complexes;
- Moderate physical activity;
Drug treatment of EBV is complex and aimed at strengthening immunity, removal of symptomatic manifestations, reduction of their aggressiveness. It also includes preventive measures to prevent complications.

Medical treatment

For drug therapy, the following drugs can be prescribed.

Immunostimulating drugs - funds are used during periods of exacerbation of EBV and for recovery from infectious mononucleosis:

Arbidol;
Viferon;
Interferon;
Groprinasin;
Laferobion.

Antiviral drugs - used in the treatment of complications caused by EBV:

Gerpevir;
Valvir;
Valtrex.

Antibacterial drugs- are prescribed in cases of complications with bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, etc. Any antibacterial drugs can be used, except for penicillins.

For example:

Cefodox;
Lincomycin;
Azithromycin;
Ceftriaxone.

Vitamin complexes are used for recovery after the acute stage of EBV, as well as for the prevention of complications:

Duovit;
Complivit;
Vitrum.

Sorbents - needed to alleviate the manifestations of infectious mononucleosis. Contribute to the removal of toxic substances:

White coal;
Atoxil;
Polysorb;
Enterosgel.

Supportive drugs for the liver (hepatoprotectors) - help support the liver after an acute period of EBV:

Karsil;
Essentiale;
Gepabene;
Darsil.

- are used to prevent complications that EBV can cause:

Ketotifen;
Cetrin;
Eden;
Suprastin;
Diazolin.

Means for processing oral cavity- used in preventive measures for the sanitation of the oral cavity:

Decatylene;
Inglalipt;
Chlorophyllipt.

Anti-inflammatory - relieve symptoms of fever and general symptoms of malaise:

Paracetamol;
Nurofen;
ibuprofen;
Nimesulide.

The exception is Aspirin.

Glucocorticosteroids - help to deal with severe complications:

Dexamethosone;
Prednisolone.

Drug treatment is prescribed by the attending physician in strict individually in each specific case. Uncontrolled intake of medications can be not only useless, but also dangerous.

To combat chronic fatigue, which is caused by the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the body, the patient is prescribed a treatment consisting of taking:

multivitamins;
antidepressants;
Antiherpetic drugs;
Cardiovascular;
Preparations supporting the nervous system:
- Instenon;
- Enciphabol;
- Glycine.

Folk methods of treatment

Folk remedies have a good effect in the fight against many diseases, the Epstein-Barr virus is no exception. Folk methods perfectly complement traditional methods treatment for the acute course of the virus and for infectious mononucleosis.

They are aimed at strengthening the overall immune qualities, relieving inflammation and avoiding exacerbation of the disease.

Echinacea:

Echinacea infusion perfectly strengthens the immune system and helps to avoid exacerbations;
It should be consumed daily, 20 drops per glass of water.

Green tea:

Ginseng tincture:

Ginseng tincture is just a storehouse for the defenses of the human body;
It should be added to tea, about 15 drops per glass of drink.

The consequences of the Epstein-Barr virus during pregnancy

In the case of pregnancy planning, a number of tests are prescribed for future parents in preparation.

In this case, special attention is paid to infections.

They can influence the conception, the course of pregnancy and its favorable completion with the birth of a healthy child.

Among these infections, EBV is quite significant.

It belongs to the "TORCH" series:

T - toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosis);
O - others (others): listeriosis, chlamydia, measles, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV;
R - (rubella);
C - cytomegalovirus (cytomegalovirus);
H - herpes (herpes simplex virus).

Infection of any of the TORCH infections during pregnancy can be detrimental to the child, cause serious health problems, deformities and pathologies incompatible with life.

That is why the passage of this analysis, through an unpleasant procedure - taking blood from a vein is mandatory. Timely therapy and constant monitoring of specialists can minimize the risks to the health of the fetus.

Such an analysis is future mother is carried out not only during planning, but also twice during the gestation period, namely at 12 and 30 weeks.

According to the results of the analyzes, it is customary to draw conclusions regarding the following points:

In the absence of antibodies to EBV in the blood it is required to actively observe and protect yourself from possible infection as much as possible;
In the presence of positive immunoglobulin class M with the birth of a child, it is necessary to wait until the development of antibodies to this species virus;
Blood contains class G immunoglobulins- this means the presence of antibodies in the body of the expectant mother, which means that her immunity will protect the baby as much as possible.

When the Epstein-Barr virus is detected in an active acute form in a pregnant woman, this requires urgent hospitalization and therapy in a hospital under the supervision of specialists.

The measures are aimed at neutralizing the symptoms and supporting the immune system of the expectant mother by introducing antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins.

It is impossible to say for sure exactly how EBV will affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus. However, it is reliably known that babies whose mothers carry the active form of the Epstein-Barr virus during pregnancy often have malformations.

At the same time, its presence in a woman's body in a primary or acute form does not exclude the birth of a healthy child, and its absence does not guarantee.

Possible consequences of EBV infection during pregnancy:

miscarriages and stillbirths;
premature birth;
Developmental delay (IUGR);
Complications in childbirth: sepsis, uterine bleeding, DIC;
Violations in the development of the central nervous system of the baby. It is due to the fact that EBV affects nerve cells.

The prognosis is sick

As a rule, the entry of the Epstein-Barr virus into the body system is accompanied by various symptoms, from mild ailment to more serious manifestations.

With proper and adequate treatment and the normal state of the immune system, this virus does not cause significant damage to the body and does not interfere with the normal life of a person.

Prevention measures

Given the prevalence of EBV, and the ease of transmission, it is extremely difficult to protect yourself from infection.

Physicians around the world are faced with the task of inventing prophylactic agents to combat this virus, since it is a provoking factor in the development of oncological processes and other dangerous diseases.

Many research centers are now conducting clinical trials on this issue. It is impossible to protect yourself from infection, but you can get by with minimal consequences, having a strong body.

Therefore, EBV prevention measures are aimed at general strengthening of the protective functions of the human body: