Epstein-Barra virus

The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common representatives of the herpes family. It penetrates into human epithelial tissues and affects B-lymphocytes. Now it is known that half of children of the age of five have antibodies to it, in the adult population this figure is close to 90%.

The Epstein-Barr virus penetrates the human body in a variety of ways. The main ones include a contact (with saliva, through household items), blood transfusion, genital, airborne. Further, this dangerous microorganism enters the lymph nodes. Under favorable conditions that arise when immunity is weakened, the virus penetrates into the blood, lymph, then spreads through all the systems of the body and accumulates mainly in the spleen, salivary glands, uterus, liver, male sex glands.

A significant number of pathways cause a fairly wide range of diseases that causes the Epstein-Barra virus. When infected at an early age, emerging pathological conditions often occur with slightly expressed clinical symptoms. However, in some cases, this virus can also provoke tumor development or its progression. The main such neoplasms include Burkett's lymphoma (African form), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma. The latter occurs in HIV-infected people. One of the dangerous diseases that the Epstein-Barr virus can cause is infectious mononucleosis. This disease can also be the cause of the appearance of malignant neoplasms.

The increase in lymph nodes located in the occipital region is a pathognomonic sign characterizing the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms of this disease can also be caused by a violation of the function of the spleen and liver. These conditions are observed due to an increase in the parenchyma of these organs, caused by changes in the inflammatory nature caused by the virus. In very rare cases, the affected skin, heart, nervous system. Sometimes there is a spontaneous rupture of the spleen, which results in massive internal bleeding that directly threatens the patient's life.

The duration of this disease is 1-3 months, then in most cases it is self-cured.

Immunoenzyme research is the most effective method of diagnosis, which allows you to identify the Epstein-Barr virus. In this case, heterophilic antibodies are identified, which belong to the class of immunoglobulins M and are specific markers. In some cases, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is used, which also makes it possible to detect immunoglobulins that belong to classes G and M.

Diseases caused by this microorganism do not have specific methods of treatment. The only therapy that is used in the case of such conditions is symptomatic. Patients need strict bed rest, limiting any physical activity. Otherwise, a rupture of the spleen may occur. Virtually all cases have a favorable prognosis. Very rarely there are pathological neoplasms, for the treatment of which anticancer drugs are used. After the transferred disease, patients may be troubled for a time with weakness, malaise. In all cases, it is advisable to prescribe general restorative therapy, funds that directly increase immunity. During the first two weeks, any heavy physical activity is contraindicated.