Sketchy Micro: Epstein-Barr Virus Flashcards
What is the genetic makeup of Epstein-Bar virus?
dsDNA (represented by the blue color scheme of the bar)
How is EBV transmitted?
Saliva (hence, the “kissing disease”)
What cells might be seen on a blood smear of someone with mono?
Downey cells: atypical reactive CD8+ T cells
(Think of the knight –with the prominent T on his chest and the 8-shaped shoulder pads –reacting to the mono guy who spilled wine on his tunic.)
What causes splenomegaly in infectious mononucleosis?
T-cell proliferation
This is symbolized by the cow with the large spleen splotch just behind the knight.
Which cells does EBV infect?
B lymphocytes, by binding to their CD21 receptor; it can remain latent in these cells, too
(Think of the sleeping archer –who represents dormant B cells –with the XXI on his shirt. Also, there is a sign near him that says “you must B 21 to drink.”)
_____________ are classic signs of EBV.
Pharyngitis with tonsillar exudates
How can you distinguish between Strep pharyngitis and mono?
Both have similar presentations, but mono is more likely to present in an older adolescent or younger adult. Also, if you give amoxicillin –the standard treatment for Strep –to someone with mono then they often develop a maculopapular rash.
(Think of the guy with the red pencil – indicating that penicillins should not be given –drawing red circles on the sleeping archer.)
Which cancers does EBV increase risk of?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (specifically the mixed cellularity subtype)
Burkitt lymphoma
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
(Think of the owl poster, the kid with the big jar, and the Asian man with the crab pinching his nose.)
What can EBV cause in HIV patients?
Oral hairy leukoplakia –a white growth on the sides of the tongue that cannot be scraped off like Candida
(Think of the old man with the cane and the big white beard.)
What test can identify mono?
The monospot test, which agglutinates horse or sheep RBCs
Think of the dart board with the red spot around which darts have clumped.
How should mononucleosis be treated?
Supportive therapy and avoidance of contact sports
