One of the most common viruses on the planet today is the Epstein-Barr virus. According to various sources, antibodies indicating a meeting with him appear in 80-90% of adults, although the first contact, as a rule, occurs already in kindergarten. Once in the human body , the Einstein-Barr virus may not manifest in any way or lead to infectious mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome. Its danger also lies in the ability to provoke chronic processes in almost any organs, including the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the ability to cause lymphogranulomatosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Complementing serious immune diseases (such as AIDS), the Einstein-Barr virus sometimes leads to death. You can get it from an already infected person, in particular, through:
- saliva;
- blood;
- household items;
- intimate contacts;
- air (airborne droplets).
Symptoms Mononucleosis
As mentioned earlier, carriers may not realize for a long time that the Einstein-Barr virus is present in their blood. Symptoms are clearly manifested during the initial infection. Actually, then a disease called "infectious mononucleosis" occurs. It is characteristic of him:
- a sharp increase in temperature to 38-39 ° C;
- sore throat;
- weakness;
- rash (rare);
- swollen lymph nodes.
Such symptoms are also characteristic of tonsillitis, and therefore doctors are not always able to establish the correct diagnosis. After an acute period, a complete recovery is possible, which happens in isolated cases, passive carrying of the virus (without any signs) or chronic mononucleosis (active infection). In the latter case, the patient complains of:
- joint pain;
- sweating
- constant fatigue;
- frequent infectious and fungal diseases;
- subfebrile condition;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- problems on the part of the nervous system, in particular, dizziness, insomnia, impaired attention and memory, etc.
Diagnostics
In order to identify the Einstein-Barr virus in children, a number of laboratory studies are needed. So, first of all, it is necessary to pass a general blood test. Virus carriers are characterized by an increase in lymphocytes. It is also necessary to conduct a study of the immune system, in particular, to establish the level of immunoglobulins. Information about the activity of the virus can be obtained through a blood test for antibodies. If they are detected to the EBM IgM antigen, we can talk about the acute phase of the disease, that is, there is a primary infection or a chronic form of mononucleosis occurs during the exacerbation period.
Antibodies of the EBNA IgG class indicate a meeting with the virus in the past, or a chronic passive form. They remain in the blood of a person for the rest of their lives, but are not an indication for treatment. To establish where the virus is contained (blood, urine, saliva), DNA diagnostics will help.
Treatment
Einstein-Barr virus is treated when it is in active form. First of all, the patient is prescribed taking interferon-alpha drugs. In addition, abnormal nucleotides are used in complex treatment. It can be ganciclovir, famciclovir, or valaciclovir. A course of treatment with immunoglobulins is also offered. If the Einstein-Barr virus is in a passive state, then drug treatment is not necessary. Folk remedies will help boost immunity and fight the virus. So, horseradish, garlic, as well as birch buds, rosehips, linden leaves, calendula, thyme, sage, and coltsfoot cause a good antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.