Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Definition

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus that primarily infects B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. It is a significant cause of viral infections affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems, leading to various clinical manifestations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EBV is one of the most common human viruses, with over 90% of adults worldwide having been infected at some point in their lives.
2. EBV primarily infects and establishes latency in B lymphocytes, but can also infect epithelial cells, particularly in the oropharynx.
3. Primary EBV infection is often asymptomatic in young children but can cause infectious mononucleosis in adolescents and young adults.
4. EBV has been linked to the development of several types of cancer, including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
5. EBV can reactivate from latency and cause recurrent or chronic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Review Questions

• Describe the primary modes of transmission and clinical presentation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
  • EBV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with saliva, such as kissing or sharing drinking utensils. Primary EBV infection is often asymptomatic in young children but can cause infectious mononucleosis in adolescents and young adults, characterized by fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can then establish lifelong latency in B lymphocytes, with the potential for reactivation and recurrent or chronic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• Explain the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the development of certain cancers.
  • EBV has been linked to the development of several types of cancer, including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The virus can promote cellular transformation and immortalization, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of these malignancies. EBV's ability to establish latent infections and reactivate in certain circumstances contributes to its oncogenic potential, particularly in individuals with impaired immune function.
• Discuss the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the context of viral infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
  • As a member of the herpesvirus family, EBV primarily infects and establishes latency in B lymphocytes, which are key components of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. EBV's tropism for B cells and its ability to reactivate from latency can lead to various clinical manifestations, including infectious mononucleosis and lymphoproliferative disorders. Furthermore, EBV's association with certain cancers, such as Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma, highlights its significant impact on the health and function of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Related terms

Herpesviruses:

A family of DNA viruses that can establish lifelong latent infections in their hosts, including EBV, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus.

Infectious Mononucleosis:

Also known as 'mono' or 'the kissing disease,' an acute illness caused by primary EBV infection, characterized by fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Burkitt's Lymphoma:

An aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with EBV infection, particularly common in certain regions of Africa.