EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS IS AN UBIQUITOUS ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTION IN HUMANS

Padula R, Mastrangelo F, Agostini F. Epstein-Barr virus is an ubiquitous asymptomatic infection in humans. International Journal of Infection. 2021;5(3):91-102

R. Padula¹, F. Mastrangelo¹ and F. Agostini^2*

¹Department of Clinic and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy;
²Stem Cell Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy.

*Correspondence to:
Francesco Agostini,
Stem Cell Unit,
Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS,
Via F. Gallini 2,
33081 Aviano, Italy.

ABSTRACT

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and specifically human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is one of the most common viruses in nature. EBV causes a very widespread and often asymptomatic infection in humans and infects about 90-95% of the world’s population, with most people becoming infected during childhood or early adulthood. When EBV infection occurs in adolescence or adulthood, it can cause infectious mononucleosis, which is easily transmitted through saliva. Symptoms of mononucleosis include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. After the initial infection, EBV remains in the body where it can reactivate, usually without symptoms, but this can sometimes lead to complications. The disease can be associated with lymphomas, carcinomas, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus. In summary, while EBV is widespread and usually asymptomatic, it can cause disease, particularly if it is contracted later in life or in immunocompromised individuals.

KEYWORDS: Epstein-Barr virus, immunity, infection, mononucleosis, lymph node