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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as herpes virus 4, is a common virus responsible for mononucleosis. It can reactivate years later, causing no symptoms but can be passed on to others. EBV is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome and some forms of cancer, including Burkitt’s lymphoma. Treatment for Burkitt’s lymphoma involves chemotherapy, but those with immunosuppressive diseases may have a more difficult recovery.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of several herpes viruses. While the term “herpes” is usually thought of as a condition caused by sexual contact, sexually transmitted herpes is just one of many herpes viruses. EBV is also called herpes virus 4 and is most frequently recognized as one of the viruses most commonly responsible for mononucleosis (mono).
However, contracting EBV does not always mean a person will develop mononucleosis. Those exposed to the virus as a teenager typically have, at most, a 50% chance of developing the disease. However, exposed people can still transmit the virus to others, even if they don’t develop mono. The virus can also go dormant and reactivate years later; it usually causes no symptoms when reactivated, but can be passed on to others.
Mononucleosis is more common in adolescents and, if contracted by children, can cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat and fatigue for a few weeks. Some babies will have full-blown mono, which can last up to four months, but many will never develop serious symptoms. However, Epstein-Barr virus is extremely common, and most people show exposure to the virus by the time they reach adulthood.
Some research has suggested a connection between EBV and chronic fatigue syndrome, although the relationship is unclear. Mononucleosis symptoms that last for more than six months are sometimes referred to as “chronic EBV,” even though many times tests don’t detect that the virus is still active. Many experts think there may be other causes of chronic fatigue in these cases, especially since most people have been exposed to the virus and never develop the condition.
Epstein-Barr virus can also be indicated in some forms of cancer. EBV is frequently found in those who have a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, called Burkitt’s lymphoma. The virus is also thought to be a causal factor in nose and throat cancers. These cancers are most commonly found in people living in third world countries. They can also be present in immunosuppressed patients, in the form of tumors found in the muscles surrounding organs.
Burkitt’s lymphoma actually responds very well to chemotherapy and can often be resolved by it, although tumors along the jaw can occasionally recur. Those who have immunosuppressive diseases or who have received transplants may have a more difficult treatment and recovery, as chemotherapy to treat such cancers further suppresses the immune system. Fortunately, these tumors are relatively rare.
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