Definition

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) causes, among other things, mononucleosis ("kissing disease"). Impaired immune system or immunosuppressive treatment for rheumatic diseases can lead to more serious disease progression. EBV can trigger complications in rheumatic diseases. It is discussed whether EBV is also a triggering cause in some cases.

Contamination

• Contact infection by kissing, bottle sharing or blood transfusion
• Viruses are found in saliva up to one year after infection

Incubation

• 4-NUMBER weeks

Symptoms

• Few or no symptoms in children
• Teens and young adults get mononucleosis
  • Fever
  • Relax
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Pain in the pharynx with swollen tonsils
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Elevated liver enzymes in blood

EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus): detected by PCR examination or antibody tests

Treatment

No special drugs

• If enlarged spleen or elevated liver enzymes, reduced physical activity is recommended

Prognosis

• Most are fresh after a few weeks
• Some have symptoms for several months
• By systemic, autoimmune connective tissue disorders, especially SLE, EBV can trigger acute exacerbation and one macrophage activation syndrome (MAS / HLH)
• It is discussed whether EBV can also trigger rheumatic diseases, including connective tissue disorders (reference: Draborg AK, 2013) or cause  chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) 

Literature

• Lennon P, 2015
• Draborg AK, 2013
• More here (Wikipedia)

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