Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) transmission, symptoms, treatment, and vaccine

Researchers have recently made significant progress toward developing a vaccine against the Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV). This virus infects nearly 95% of the world’s population at some point in life and has been linked to several serious diseases.

What is Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) ?

• EBV is a common and highly contagious virus.
• It belongs to the herpesvirus family and is also known as Human Herpesvirus-4 (HHV-4).
• It is widely prevalent in the human population.
• Most infections occur during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, but it can infect people at any age.

Transmission

• EBV spreads mainly through bodily fluids, especially saliva.
• Because of this, it is sometimes called the “kissing disease.”
• It can also spread through shared drinks, utensils, or close personal contact.

Nature of the Virus & Reactivation

• In most cases, EBV causes mild or no symptoms.
• After the initial infection, the virus remains in the body in a latent (inactive) state.
• It may reactivate when the immune system becomes weakened or during periods of extreme stress.

Possible Complications

In rare cases, EBV is associated with serious diseases, such as:

• Burkitt lymphoma – A type of blood cancer
• Gastric cancer – Cancer of the stomach
• Multiple sclerosis – A disorder affecting the nervous system

EBV has also been linked to certain other lymphomas and autoimmune conditions.

Symptoms

During EBV infection, the following symptoms may appear:

• • Sore throat and inflammation
  • Fever
  • Severe fatigue or weakness
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Skin rashes
  • Enlarged spleen and liver

EBV is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis (mono).

Treatment

• There is no specific antiviral treatment available for EBV.
• Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Getting adequate rest
• Taking medications for fever and pain (as advised by a doctor)

Most people recover within a few weeks, though fatigue may persist longer.

Vaccine Research

Scientists are actively working on developing an effective EBV vaccine.
A successful vaccine could help prevent:

• EBV-related cancers
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Infectious mononucleosis

Progress in vaccine research offers hope for reducing the global health burden associated with EBV in the future.