Epstein-Barr virus infection (infectious mononucleosis) is an acute infectious viral disease. It is characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, damage to the lymphatic ring of the oropharynx, hepatolienal syndrome.
Relevance
Epstein-Barr virus infection occurs mainly in childhood and is an indicator of the immunodeficiency state of the body. The causative agent is the herpes virus, which is sensitive to lymphoid tissue. This is where the virus replicates. It is believed that this virus can contribute to the development of oral cancer, Burkitt's lymphoma. Infectious mononucleosis syndrome can also occur with another pathogen that is sensitive to lymphoid tissue.
Epidemiology
Infection occurs from a sick or carrier of human infection during close contact. The most susceptible to the disease are children aged 2-7 years in the winter-spring period.
Pathogenesis
Epstein-Barr virus infectionhas sensitivity to the lymphoid system. Therefore, the pathogen is introduced more often through the lymphoid ring of the pharynx. This phenomenon is associated with the occurrence of edema and redness of the mucous membrane, difficulty in nasal breathing.
From the focus of introduction, the virus spreads throughout the body through the blood and lymph. At the same time, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow are affected, reactive hyperplastic processes develop, organs increase in volume.
Epstein-Barr virus infection: symptoms
5-20 days after infection, it rises sharply to 40 oС, the temperature worsens, nasal breathing becomes difficult, sore throat appears. The neck is noticeably deformed due to enlarged lymph nodes. At the same time, all peripheral and visceral nodes increase. Tonsils swollen, edematous, with a white-yellow or dirty-gray coating. This leads to difficulty breathing. The most diverse rash appears on the skin without a clear localization. Hepatosplenomegaly is a common occurrence. A slight yellowness of the skin and sclera appears, signs of hepatitis.
Diagnosis
A blood test reveals leukocytosis up to 20-30 thousand units, an increase in the number of monocytes, an increase in bilirubin, ALT. During PCR, the DNA of the virus is detected in the blood serum with the determination of its amount. The reactions of hemagglutination, latex agglutination, ELISA, to IgG and IgM are used with high efficiency.
Epstein-Barr virus infection:treatment
The use of interferons, acyclovir, cycloferon in the acute period gives conflicting results. With the addition of a secondary purulent infection and in severe forms of the disease, it is advisable to use antibiotics (acyclovir) and steroids: moderate doses of prednisolone. The use of ampicillin is contraindicated as it induces an autoimmune reaction.
Forecast
On the territory of the former USSR, the Epstein-Barr virus infection did not give a single lethal outcome. Cases of death as a result of complications have been described: rupture of the spleen, encephalitis, myocarditis. In rare cases, chronic infection is noted.
