Epstein Barr Virus

Question 1

Describe the structure of EBV

Answer 1

DNA virus, double stranded, enveloped

Question 2

How is EBV transmitted?

Answer 2

Intimate contact with saliva

Question 3

Briefly describe the pathogenesis of EBV

Answer 3

EBV in saliva. Infection of epithelial cells of oreopharynx. Infection of B cells. B cell prolfieration. Expression of EBV early proteins. T cell activation and enlargement of live,r spleen and lymph nodes

Question 4

What is the clinical significance of EBV?

Answer 4

In infancy and childhood, the infection is usually asymptommatic. But later in life will develop into IM.

Question 5

IM

Answer 5

Infectious mononucleosis

Question 6

What is IM?

Answer 6

Includes pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, fever, splenomegaly and increase levels of liver enzymes in the blood

Question 7

What are the symptoms of IM?

Answer 7

Headache and malaise

Question 8

When is the peak incidence of EBV associated IM?

Answer 8

15-19 years old

Question 9

Other than IM, what else has EBV been associated with?

Answer 9

Malignancies - especially associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma

Question 10

How is EBV identified in a laboratory?

Answer 10

Cytotoxic T cells can be observed in a blood smear. Antibodies specific to EBV are also produced - IgM and IgG types

Question 11

What drugs are used to treat EBV?

Answer 11

Acyclovir inhibits EBV replication