Epstein-Barr Virus (Murray 3rd Ed pp 430)

Questions

1. What diseases are caused by HHV4 and what diseases are associated with it?

2. What happens when people are infected (infants + adults), the complications, and clinical features?

3. How would you diagnose HHV4?

4. How would you treat HHV4?

Epstein-Barr Virus (HHV4) causes glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) and is associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Transmission is via oropharyngeal secretions ≫ “kissing disease”. Children are usually asymptomatic, but for adolescents and adults≫ glandular fever. EBV infects local epithelial cells and B cells, and this causes a T cell reaction which causes (GLSH): atypical mononucleosis, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly. Clinical features include: fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, rash with antibiotics (i.e.: esp, ampicillin and amoxicillin). Diagnosis is done clinically (see last line), haematologically, or serologicaly. The Monospot test ≫ test for presence of heterophile antibodies, if negative then use serological means ≫I.e.: antibodies against viral capsid to see any reaction. Treatment is not available, but usually best to get exposure and let it heal spontaneously – which has life long immunity. Exposure best during childhood because mainly asymptomatic during this stage.

Category: Microbiology Notes