Epstein barr - viral infection, symptoms, treatment. Treatment of epstein barr virus in adults How is epstein barr virus treated

Of all the herpes viruses, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common. This is a type 4 herpes virus, it is very easy to get infected, since the features of its transmission from person to person are quite simple. And usually the sources of the spread of the virus are people who do not have symptoms. On the planet, more than half of the children are already infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. And among adults, almost the entire population has the Epstein virus in the body. In the article, we will take a closer look at the Epstein-Barr virus, its symptoms and treatment, and also talk about what diseases it causes and how it is diagnosed.

There are four types of Epstein-Barr virus infection:

Airborne way. Herpes type 4 is transmitted by airborne droplets, only when the source of infection is an acute form of Epstein-Barr virus infection. In this case, when sneezing, Epstein virus particles can easily be airborne, penetrating into a new organism.
household contacts. In this case, first of all, we are talking about all household contacts with the infected, including shaking hands. And at the same time, it is not necessary for the carrier to have an acute form of the disease, since another year and a half after an acute Epstein-Barr virus infection, the carrier can easily infect others by contact.
Sexual contact and kissing. Herpes of the fourth type is easily transmitted through all forms of sexual interaction, as well as through kissing. It is believed that in a third of all infected people, Epstein-Barr can live in saliva for the rest of their lives, so it is very easy to get infected with it.
From pregnant to child. If Epstein-Barr is found in the blood of a pregnant woman, then it can easily be transmitted from her to the fetus through the placenta, and in the future to the child.

Of course, realizing how easy it is to get infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the question arises, what about blood transfusions or organ transplants. Of course, it is also easy to get Epstein-Barr through transfusions and organ transplants, but the above routes of transmission are the most common.

What diseases are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and their symptoms

Let's look at what diseases are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and the symptoms of these diseases. The most well-known whitening that Epstein virus causes is infectious mononucleosis, but apart from this, Epstein-Barr herpes can lead to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and Lymphogranulomatosis. And now we will analyze these diseases and their symptoms in more detail.

Infectious mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a disease that often occurs in young children. It is accompanied primarily by elevated body temperature up to 40 degrees, inflammation of the tonsils and an increase in submandibular lymph nodes. Inexperienced doctors often confuse mononucleosis with tonsillitis. But in the later stages, an increase in the spleen is observed, such symptoms usually reveal infectious mononucleosis. Less commonly, the liver may become enlarged, which can lead to hepatitis.

Infectious mononucleosis is also called AVIEB (acute Epstein-Barr virus infection). The incubation period for this disease ranges from one week to three weeks, but can last up to one and a half months.

Lymphogranulomatosis

Lymphogranulomatosis is a malignant tumor. This disease is also called Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This granuloma is theoretically associated with Epstein-Barr for several reasons, and one of them is the association of Hodgkin's Lymphoma with mononucleosis.

Of the symptoms, one can distinguish an increase in lymph nodes not only under the jaw, but also above the collarbones. This occurs at the very beginning of the disease and passes without pain. And then the disease begins to affect the internal organs.

Burkitt's lymphoma

Burkitt's lymphoma is a very high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that develops from B-lymphocytes and tends to spread outside the lymphatic system, such as into the bone marrow, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. Source - Wikipedia.

If left untreated, lymphoma can lead to death very quickly. Of the symptoms, it is necessary to highlight the increase in internal organs, as a rule, in the abdominal region. Also, Burkitt's lymphoma can lead to constipation and cause bleeding. It happens that with this disease the jaw and neck swell.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Another tumor disease, but with an unusual localization, namely in the nose. The tumor strengthens in the nasopharynx, and then metastasizes to the lymph nodes. Most often, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is found in Eastern peoples.

The symptoms of this disease are initially associated with difficulty breathing through the nose, then problems with the ears begin, the person seems to gradually lose his hearing and feels discomfort in the area of the auricles.

chronic fatigue syndrome

The so-called chronic fatigue syndrome is a very controversial disease. It is associated with Epstein-Barr and other herpetic manifestations in the body. In the 80s in Nevada there were a large number of people (about two hundred people) with similar depressive symptoms and general weakness of the body. In the study, Epstein-Barr or other herpesviruses were found in all people. But later in Britain, it was nevertheless proved that CFS exists. In addition to the Epstein-Barr virus, chronic fatigue syndrome can also be caused by cytomegalovirus, Coxsackie virus and others.

Of the symptoms, constant fatigue should be distinguished, a person cannot sleep, his head hurts and he feels constant oppression of the body and weakness of the body.

Diagnostics and interpretation of analyzes

Checking the immune response to Epstein-Barr is done using serological blood tests. The analysis does not reveal the DNA of the Epstein-Barr virus, but how the immune system reacts to it.

In order to understand the diagnosis, it is necessary to disassemble some concepts:

IgG antibodies are class G immunoglobulins;
and IgM antibodies are class M immunoglobulins;
EA - early antigen;
EBNA - nuclear antigen;
VCA - capsid antigen.

In the case of the production of certain immunoglobulins to specific antigens, the status of infection with EBV is diagnosed.

To understand the diagnosis of EBV infection in more detail, it is necessary to consider class M immunoglobulins to the capsid antigen, as well as class G immunoglobulins to the capsid, early and nuclear antigens:

IgM to VCA. With the production of class M immunoglobulins to the capsid antigen, the acute stage of infection is diagnosed. That is, either the primary infection was within six months, or there was a relapse of the disease.
IgG to VCA. With the production of class G immunoglobulins to the capsid antigen, an acute form of the disease is diagnosed, which was transferred about a month ago. And also this result can be obtained in the future, since the disease has already been transferred by the body.
IgG to EBNA. The production of class G immunoglobulins to the nuclear antigen indicates that the body has good immunity to Epstein-Barr, which means that the person is completely healthy, which indicates that about six months have passed since infection.
IgG to EA. The production of class G immunoglobulin to an early antigen again tells us about the acute stage of the disease. Which indicates a period of 7 to 180 days of Epstein-Barr's stay in the body from the onset of infection.

Initially, when diagnosing Epstein-Barr, serological tests are done. If the analysis is completely negative, doctors resort to PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This analysis aims to identify the DNA of the virus. If the analysis is negative, this may indicate not only that the person has not encountered Epstein-Barr, but there may be a serious immunodeficiency.

Epstein-Barr Treatment Methods

Treatment for Epstein-Barr virus occurs either on an outpatient basis or during hospitalization. It all depends on how easy it will be to treat the Epstein virus, and this is determined by the severity of the disease. If there has been a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus infection, then often Epstein-Barr treatment occurs without hospitalization.

In order to treat the Epstein virus more effectively, a special diet is provided, in which they resort to mechanical or chemical sparing.

If we talk about how Epstein-Barr is treated with medications, it is necessary to distinguish three types of drugs:

Antiviral. Acyclovir is an ineffective Epstein-Barr drug and treatment with this antiviral agent is best started if there are no more effective drugs. Of the better antiviral drugs, Isoprinosine, Valtrex and Famvir can be distinguished.
interferon inductors. Of the interferon inducers, perhaps it is worth stopping at drugs such as Neovir - it is good because it can be taken from infancy. And also from good preparations there are also such as Cycloferon and Anaferon.
Interferon preparations. Of the interferons, Viferon and Kipferon have proven themselves well on the market, they are also convenient in that they can be taken even by newborn children.

Do not self-medicate and prescribe all of the above medications on your own. Do not forget that all antiviral drugs can cause serious side effects and lead to consequences. In addition, any drugs, including interferons, must be selected individually.

What complications can Epstein-Barr give and what is its danger

So, we figured out how the Epstein-Barr virus is treated, and now let's look at what the danger of the Epstein-Barr virus is. Epstein-Barr's main danger is autoimmune inflammation, since when Epstein-Barr enters the bloodstream, immunity begins to produce antibodies, the very immunoglobulins that were written about above. Immunoglobulins, in turn, form the so-called CIC (circulating immune complexes) with Epstein-Barr cells. And these complexes begin to spread throughout the body through the bloodstream and getting into any organ cause autoimmune diseases, of which there are quite a lot.

Epstein-Barr virus from the family of herpes viruses (herpes of the fourth type) is called the most highly contagious and common viral infection. According to World Health Organization statistics, up to 60% of all children and almost 100% of adults are infected with this virus. At the same time, research on this virus began relatively recently, and therefore it is impossible to say about the complete study of the virus.

What is EBV infection

Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted in the following ways:

The source of EBV infection is only people who are most often ill with an asymptomatic and latent form. Moreover, a person who has recovered from this virus remains contagious to others for many more years. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract.

The following categories of people are most susceptible to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus:

children under 10 years old;
people with immunodeficiency;
HIV patients, especially AIDS category;
pregnant women.

Classification of EBV infection

Acute infection with the virus is not very dangerous for humans. A great danger is the tendency to form tumor processes. A unified classification of viral infection (VIEB) has not yet been invented, and therefore practical medicine offers the following:

Diseases caused by EBV:

chronic fatigue syndrome;
lymphogranulomatosis;
immune deficiency;
Infectious mononucleosis;
tumors of the intestines and stomach, salivary glands;
malignant formations in the nasopharynx;
systemic hepatitis;
lymphomas;
lesions of the spinal cord and brain (or otherwise multiple sclerosis);
herpes.

Epstein-Barr virus: symptoms of the disease

Polyadenopathy is the main symptom in the course of EBV in an acute form. The symptom characterizes an increase in the anterior and posterior cervical lymph nodes, as well as occipital, submandibular, supraclavicular, subclavian, axillary, ulnar, femoral and inguinal lymph nodes.

Their dimensions are about 0.5–2 cm in diameter, they are testy to the touch, slightly painful or moderately painful. The maximum stage of severity of polyadenopathy is observed on the 5-7th day of the course of the disease, and after two weeks, the lymph nodes gradually decrease.

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infection or abbreviated OVIEB, the incubation period of which is estimated from two days to 2 months. The disease begins gradually: the patient experiences increased fatigue, malaise, sore throat. The temperature rises slightly or remains normal. After a few days, the temperature reaches 39–40 ° C, intoxication syndrome begins.
The symptom of polyadenopathy also affects the palatine tonsils, as a result of which signs of angina appear, nasal breathing is disturbed, the voice becomes nasal, pus forms in the back of the throat.
Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, is one of the late symptoms. After 2-3 weeks, sometimes after 2 months, the size of the spleen returns to its original state.
The symptom of hepatomegaly (or liver enlargement) is less common. This symptom is characterized by dark urine, mild jaundice.
The nervous system also suffers from acute Epstein-Barr virus. Serous meningitis may develop, sometimes meningoencephalitis, encephalomyelitis, polyradiculoneuritis, but, as a rule, focal lesions regress.
Other symptoms are possible in the form of the appearance of various rashes, spots, papules, roseola, dots or hemorrhages. The exanthema lasts about 10 days.

Diagnosis of the Epstein-Barr virus

The diagnosis of chronic or acute EBV is made on the basis of clinical manifestations, complaints and laboratory data.

General blood analysis. An increase in leukocytes, ESR, an increase in monocytes and lymphocytes, the occurrence of atypical mononuclear cells are diagnosed. An increase or decrease in the level of platelets, hemoglobin is likely (autoimmune or hemolytic anemia).

Based on a biochemical blood test, an increase in ALT, AST, LDH and other enzymes is detected, acute phase proteins (fibrinogen, CRP), an increase in bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase are detected.

Immunological study- evaluate the level of interferon, immunoglobulins, etc.

Serological reactions. Serological tests help determine the immune response to EBV, while the content of the virus in the blood is not determined. Serological tests allow to detect antibodies to EBV infection:

Antibodies of the M-class (IgM) to the capsid antigen (VCA) - are formed during the acute phase from the very beginning of infection to six months from the onset of the disease or during exacerbation of chronic EBV infection.
G-class antibodies (IgG) to the antigen (VCA) - these immunoglobulins are formed after the acute stage of the disease (three weeks after infection), during convalescence their number increases, in addition, they are detected after the disease throughout life.
Antibodies G (IgG) to the early antigen (EA) - similar to the M-class, these antibodies are produced during the acute phase of EBV infection (between one week and six months from the moment of infection).
Late G-class antibodies (IgG) to nuclear antigen (EBNA) - occur with complete recovery, usually after six months, and characterize persistent immunity to EBV infection. Let's explain what a positive result for EBV antibodies means.
A positive result determines the level of immunoglobulins above the established norm. Each laboratory has its own norm indicators, which depend on the methods of determination, types of equipment and units of measurement. For convenience, the norm indicators are indicated in the columns of the results obtained.

PCR diagnostics of the Epstein-Barr virus

Diagnosis by the polymerase chain reaction method is a laboratory research method aimed not at detecting an immune response, but at determining the presence of the virus itself, its DNA, in the body. This diagnostic method is modern and has an accuracy of 99.9%.

The PCR method allows examine blood, sputum, swabs from the nasopharynx, biopsy formations of various tumors. Epstein-Barr virus PCR is prescribed if generalized EBV infection is suspected, in immunodeficiencies such as HIV, in difficult or doubtful clinical cases.

The method is also widely used to detect various oncological diseases. PCR is not used for the study of the Epstein-Barr virus as the first analysis, since such analyzes are very complex and very expensive.

Only 2 PCR results for EBV differ: positive and negative results. The first indicates the presence of EBV DNA in the body and the active process of the Epstein-Barr virus. A negative result, on the contrary, indicates the absence of the virus in the body.

According to the indications, it is possible to conduct other studies and consultations. Consultations of an immunologist and an ENT doctor, radiography of the paranasal sinuses and chest, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, blood clotting tests, consultations of a hematologist and an oncologist.

Epstein-Barr virus: treatment methods

It is impossible to completely recover from herpetic viruses, even using the most modern methods of treatment, since EBV, although not in an active state, still remains in B-lymphocytes and other cells for life.

If the immune system weakens, the virus can reactivate again, exacerbating EBV infection. There is still no consensus on how to treat EBV, neither scientists nor doctors, and therefore, in our time, a lot of research is being done in the field of antiviral treatment. There are still no effective specific drugs in the fight against EBV infection.

In the acute course of infectious mononucleosis, it is necessary keep a sparing diet and regimen: limit physical activity, lead half-bed rest, drink plenty of fluids, you need to eat often, balanced and in small portions, while excluding spicy, fried, salty, sweet, smoked foods from the diet.

Fermented milk products have a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. It is important that the diet contains many vitamins and proteins. It is better to refuse those products that contain chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, dyes. It is necessary to remove allergen products from the diet: citrus fruits, chocolate, honey, legumes, some fruits and berries.

In the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, it will be useful to adhere to a normal mode of work, rest and sleep, active physical activity, positive emotions, doing what you love, good nutrition and a multivitamin complex.

Medical treatment for EBV infection

The principles of EBV treatment in adults and children are the same, the difference is only in dosages. Antiviral drugs inhibit the activity of EBV DNA polymerase. This group includes: Paciclovir, Aciclovir, Cidofovir, Gerpevir, Foskavir.

These drugs are effective only for oncological diseases, generalized EBV infection, chronic course of the disease and the appearance of complications.

Other drugs have non-specific immunostimulating and antiviral action, among which are: Viferon, Interferon, Cycloferon, Laferobion, Arbidol, Isoprinosine (Isoprinosine), Remantadine, Uracil, IRS-19, Polyoxidonium and others. These drugs are prescribed only for severe cases of the disease.

Immunoglobulins such as Polygam, Pentaglobin, Bioven recommended for exacerbations of chronic EBV, as well as for recovery after an acute period of infectious mononucleosis.

These immunoglobulins contain ready-made antibodies that bind to Epstein-Barr virus virions and remove them from the body. Highly effective in the treatment of chronic and acute CVEB. They are used only in stationary clinics in the form of intravenous droppers.

Antibacterial drugs include: Lincomycin, Azithromycin, Cefadox, Ceftriaxone and others. But antibiotics are prescribed exclusively when a bacterial infection is attached, for example, with bacterial pneumonia, purulent tonsillitis.

Treatment of the disease select individually based on the severity of the course of the disease, the presence of relevant pathologies and the state of the patient's immunity.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can treat with antiviral drugs: Gerpevir, Acyclovir, Interferons; vascular drugs: Cerebrolysin, Actovegin; drugs that protect nerve cells from the virus: Encephabol, Glycine, Instenon, as well as antidepressants, sedatives and multivitamins.

The use of folk remedies in the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus

Drug therapy is effectively complemented by traditional methods of treatment. Nature has a great arsenal for strengthening immunity.

herbal collection cannot be applied children under 12 and pregnant women. The composition of the collection includes: peppermint, chamomile flowers, coltsfoot, calendula flowers, ginseng.

Herbs are taken in equal proportions, stir and brew tea: for 1 tablespoon of herbal collection 200.0 ml of boiling water. Wait for brewing 10-15 minutes. Take this infusion three times a day.

Green tea with honey, lemon and ginger increases the body's defenses. Fir oil is used externally. And also use raw egg yolks: on an empty stomach every morning for 2-3 weeks. They contribute to the good functioning of the liver, contain many useful substances.

One of the most common types of infections is the herpesvirus family, and the most dangerous of them is the Epstein-Barr virus. It got its name in honor of the English virologists Michael Epstein and Yvonne Barr (VEB) who discovered them. The infection can be transmitted by contact, through the blood, and also from mother to fetus. According to statistics, the presence of this virus is found in more than 60% of people.

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus most often occurs at an early age, but the disease develops only in the presence of favorable conditions. The virus can remain dormant for many years, and become active when immunity is reduced or as a result of the negative impact of external factors.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Typical symptoms for EBV infection are:

increased fatigue;
subfebrile temperature;
chronic pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa);
enlargement of the cervical or axillary lymph nodes.

In children, the disease most often occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis and can cause serious consequences for the further development of the child.

The presence of the virus is determined using serological and molecular genetic methods of laboratory diagnostic methods:

general and biochemical blood tests;
analysis for EBV marker proteins;
DNA diagnostics, which allows you to determine not only the presence of virus DNA in the body, but also its quantity.

Which doctors treat

Since EBV can provoke the development of a number of other diseases, they are treated by specialists of several profiles.

Infectionist

The Epstein-Barr virus is an infectious disease, so this doctor gives the direction for the necessary examinations and the first appointments. He also deals with the patient in the future, if against the background of EBV infection, herpetic sore throat, infectious mononucleosis or hepatitis has developed. With herpetic skin lesions, a dermatologist can be involved in therapy.

Oncologist

This doctor treats malignant diseases caused by EBV:

Burkitt's lymphoma (a tumor that initially affects the lymph nodes and can give secondary foci to other organs);
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (malignant exudative erythema affecting the mucous membranes);
hairy cell leukemia (blood cancer).

Therapy of oncological diseases is carried out in a hospital under the constant supervision of specialists.

Immunologist

They turn to him if, as a result of the action of this type of herpes virus, a chronic autoimmune disease has developed that affects the sheaths of the nerve fibers of the brain - multiple sclerosis.

Doctors of other specialties can also take part in the treatment of EBV: a therapist, pediatrician, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, with chronic fatigue syndrome caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, the help of a specialist in rehabilitation medicine will be required.

Many people on the planet have the Epstein Barr virus. Symptoms in adults are often confused with other diseases, leading to ineffective treatment.

Symptoms resembling SARS are caused by the Epstein Barr virus. Symptoms in adults are determined by the strength of the body's immune defenses, while treatment is symptomatic. This virus belongs to the herpes family, namely its 4th type. EBV has the ability to stay in the carrier's body for a sufficiently long time, in some cases throughout life.

Being in the human body, the causative agent of the disease can cause the development of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune pathologies. The most common manifestation is mononucleosis. In adult patients, the transmission of the viral agent is carried out in the process of kissing through the salivary fluid. A huge number of virions are found in its cells.

Incubation of the Epstein Barr virus agent lasts 30 to 60 days. At the end of this period, a violent attack of the tissue structures of the epidermis and lymph nodes begins, then the virus migrates into the bloodstream and affects all organs and systems of the body.

Symptoms do not appear immediately, there is a gradual increase in a certain sequence. In the first phase, the symptoms practically do not appear or are very mild, as in an acute respiratory viral infection.

After the human body has been struck by a chronic viral infection, the following symptoms develop:

headache;
sweating increases;
spasmodic pain in the upper square of the abdomen;
complete weakness of the body;
nausea, sometimes turning into vomiting;
problems with fixing attention and partial memory loss;
increase in body temperature up to 39°C;
a pale papular-spotted rash is observed in 15% of those infected;
sleep problems;
depressive states.

A distinctive feature of the infectious process is an increase in lymph nodes and their redness, plaque forms on the tonsils, mild hyperemia of tonsils develops, cough is added, pain in the throat when swallowed and at rest, breathing through the nose is difficult.

The infection has phases of increasing and subsiding symptoms. Most of the victims confuse important signs of pathology with a sluggish flu.

EBV is often transmitted along with other infectious agents: fungi (thrush) and pathogenic bacteria that cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Potential danger of the Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus in adults can cause the following complications:

inflammation of the meninges and/or brain;
polyradiculoneuritis;
violations of the normal functioning of the glomeruli of the kidneys;
inflammation of the heart muscle;
severe forms of hepatitis.

It is the development of one or several complications at once that can cause death. Epstein Barr virus can lead to various pathologies in the body.

Infectious mononucleosis

This pathology develops in 3 out of 4 patients infected with Epstein Barr virus. The victim feels weak, the body temperature rises and can last up to 60 days. Lymph nodes, pharynx, spleen, liver are involved in the process of damage. Small rashes may appear on the skin. If mononucleosis is not treated, the symptoms will disappear after 1.5 months. This pathology is not characterized by a recurrence, but the risk of deterioration is not excluded: autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lesions of the central nervous system and cranial nerves.

Chronic fatigue and its manifestations

The main symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is unreasonable anger. After that, depressive disorders, pain in muscles and joints, problems with fixing attention are added to it. This is due to the Epstein Barr virus.

Lymphogranulomatosis

First of all, the lymph nodes in the cervical and subclavian region increase, there is no pain on palpation. With tissue malignancy, it is possible to advance the process to other organs and systems.

African lymphoma malignant type

Lymphoid lesion is a malignant neoplasm involving the lymph nodes, ovaries, adrenal glands and kidneys in the pathological process. The disease develops very quickly, and without appropriate treatment leads to an unfavorable result.

Cancer of the nasopharynx

It belongs to the class of tumor formations, which is localized on the lateral wall of the nose, and grows into the back of the nasal cavity with the destruction of the lymph nodes by metastases. With the further development of the disease, purulent and mucous discharge from the nose joins, nasal breathing becomes difficult, buzzing in the ears and weakening of hearing acuity.

If the virus has struck a person's immunity, then the central nervous system, liver, and spleen begin to suffer. The victim develops jaundice, mental disorders and paroxysmal pains in the stomach join.

One of the most dangerous complications is the rupture of the spleen, which is characterized by severe pain in the left abdomen. In such a situation, urgent hospitalization and the help of a specialist are necessary, since the resulting bleeding may be the result of the death of the patient.

If you suspect the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the human body, you should immediately seek specialized help and carry out a set of diagnostic measures. This allows early stages and reduces the risk of complications.

Epstein Barr virus diagnosis

In order to detect the Epstein-Barr virus, the doctor must examine the alleged patient and collect an anamnesis. To make an accurate diagnosis, the diagnostic scheme includes such activities and procedures.

Biochemical diagnostics of blood.
Clinical diagnostics of blood, which allows to detect leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia.
Establishment of the titer of specific antibodies.
for detection of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus antigens.
Immunological test to determine failures in the activity of the immune system.
cultural method.

All of the above studies and manipulations will help to determine the presence of a pathological process as early as possible in both men and women. This will help to start timely therapy and prevent the development of unpleasant complications.

Therapeutic measures

Unfortunately, modern medicine does not offer a specific

With strong immune protection, the disease can go away on its own, without the use of medical treatment and procedures. The victim should be surrounded by absolute peace, and he must also observe the drinking regimen. With elevated body temperature and pain, it is possible to use painkillers and antipyretics.

When the pathological process degenerates into a chronic or acute form, the patient is referred to an infectious disease specialist, and if it worsens in the form of tumor neoplasms, they seek help from an oncologist.

The duration of treatment for Epstein Barr virus depends on the degree of damage to the body and can range from 3 to 10 weeks.

After conducting immunological studies, and identifying abnormalities in the functioning of the immune system, it is necessary to include the following groups of medicines in the treatment regimen:

In order to increase the pharmacological activity of the above medicines, the following items can be used:

antiallergic drugs;
bacteria to restore intestinal microflora;
hepatoprotectors;
enterosorbents.

To determine the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy and the response of the patient's body to the proposed therapy, it is necessary to take a clinical blood test every week, and monthly carry out a biochemical study of the blood composition.

With severe symptoms and complications, the patient should be treated in an inpatient hospital for infectious diseases.

For the entire period of treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus, one should strictly adhere to the recommendations of the doctor and the daily regimen drawn up by him, as well as follow a diet. In order to stimulate the body, the doctor recommends an individual set of gymnastic exercises.

If mononucleosis of infectious origin is detected, the patient is additionally prescribed antibiotic therapy (Azithromycin, Tetracycline) for a period of 8-10 days. During this time, the patient should be at constant rest, and rest as much as possible to reduce the risk of rupture of the spleen. It is forbidden to lift heavy objects for 2-3 weeks, in some cases even 2 months.

To avoid re-infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, you should go for wellness treatments to a sanatorium for a while.

In people who have encountered and been ill with the Epstein Barr virus, they are found in the body from the IgG class. They persist throughout life. The Epstein-Barr virus is not as scary as it is described, the main thing is to seek treatment in time.

You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belongs to the herpes virus family. It is one of the most widespread human viruses. For example, in the United States, 90% of the population becomes infected with it during their lifetime. Most people, especially young children, have little or no symptoms of infection. The exception is people with weakened immune systems, who can develop diseases such as mononucleosis and lymphoma against the background of infection with the virus. EBV is transmitted mainly through saliva, which is why it is also called "kissing disease". However, it can also be transmitted through other body fluids. There is no vaccine for this virus, and antiviral drugs are used only to treat severe, rapidly developing forms. In this regard, the main means of combating EBV infection is prevention and non-traditional methods of treatment.

Steps

Part 1

How to reduce the risk of EBV infection

Make sure you have a strong immune system. The main prevention of any viral, bacterial or fungal infection is a healthy and strong immune system. The task of the immune system is to recognize and destroy pathogens, including EBV, with the help of special white blood cells. If the immune system is weakened, pathogens multiply almost unhindered and spread throughout the body. That is why, in order to prevent the development of EBV and any other infections, it is necessary to do everything possible so that you have a strong immune system that does its job well.

Eat as much vitamin C or ascorbic acid as possible. Until now, the effect of vitamin C on viruses that cause common colds has been mainly studied. However, it has been proven that vitamin C has pronounced antiviral and immunostimulating properties. It helps prevent or reduce the effects of EBV infection by stimulating the production and activity of white blood cells that seek out and destroy viruses. It is recommended to consume 75-125 mg of vitamin C per day. The dose depends on gender and whether you smoke tobacco products. However, recently in medical circles, fears have begun to be expressed that for the normal functioning of the immune system and the body as a whole, even this amount may not be enough.

If your body is fighting an infection, the recommended dose is at least 1000 mg divided into two doses.
Vitamin C is found in high amounts in citrus fruits, kiwifruit, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli.

Take dietary supplements that help boost your immune system. Not only vitamin C, but also many other vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations have antiviral and immunostimulating properties. Unfortunately, their effectiveness in preventing and controlling EBV infection has not been sufficiently studied. This is because high-quality scientific research requires a lot of money, and these funds are rarely allocated to the study of natural or "non-traditional" drugs. In addition, a feature of EBV is that it can hide inside B cells - types of white blood cells that the body produces to fight infection. Because of this, EBV is difficult to destroy just by stimulating the immune system, but it is still worth trying.

Be careful while kissing. Most often, adolescents and adults around the world become infected with EBV during a kiss. For some, the body copes with the virus without symptomatic manifestations, for some, mild symptoms appear, and for some, it can be ill for several weeks or even months. Therefore, the best prevention for EBV and other viral infections is not to kiss or have sexual contact with anyone who may be sick. Be careful and refrain from romantic kissing with a person who feels tired, exhausted, has a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. However, do not forget that a person can have EBV infection without symptoms and still be a carrier.

Part 2
What are the treatment options
1. Only severe symptoms should be treated. There is no typical treatment specifically for EBV infection, as very often it has no symptoms at all. As a rule, even mononucleosis resolves on its own in a few months. If you have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen). If you have severe swelling in your throat, your doctor may prescribe a short course of steroid medications. It is not necessary to stay in bed, but with mononucleosis, a person may feel very weak.
2. Consider taking colloidal silver. Colloidal silver is a liquid preparation containing tiny atomic clusters of electrically charged silver. There is evidence in the medical literature that a silver solution is capable of destroying a number of viruses, but its effectiveness depends on particle size (less than 10 nm in diameter) and purity (without salt or protein impurities). Subnanometer silver particles have a strong electrical charge and can destroy even rapidly mutating viral pathogens. True, it has not yet been clarified whether silver particles specifically destroy EBV, so additional research is needed before giving specific recommendations.
  - A solution of silver, even in high concentrations, is considered non-toxic, but if it is protein-based, then the risk of developing argyria increases. Argyria is a disease that manifests itself as a change in skin color as a result of the accumulation of silver compounds.
  - Dietary supplements with colloidal silver can be bought at pharmacies or specialized stores.
3. Check with your doctor if you have a chronic infection. If EBV infection or mononucleosis does not go away after a few months, see your doctor for an effective antiviral or other strong drug. Chronic EBV infection is not common, but if it persists for many months, it negatively affects immunity and quality of life. There is evidence that treatment of chronic EBV infection with antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, ganciclovir, vidarabine, and foscarnet may be effective. Keep in mind that if the disease is mild, antiviral therapy is ineffective. In the case of chronic EBV infection, immunosuppressants (corticosteroids, cyclosporine) can also be used. They will help temporarily alleviate the symptoms.
  - Immune-suppressing drugs can slow down the body's immune response to EBV, causing virus-infected cells to continue to multiply. Therefore, the doctor must decide how much the expected benefits of taking these drugs outweigh the risk of undesirable consequences.
  - As a result of taking antiviral drugs, there may be such side effects: skin rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, joint pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue.
  - Despite numerous attempts to develop a vaccine against EBV, they have so far been unsuccessful.