Epstein Barr Virus

Question 1

What are the components of the classic triad of Infectious mononucleosis? [3]

Answer 1

Exudative pharyngitis
Lymphadenopathy
Splenomegaly

Question 2

What diseases or conditions are associated with the different types of latent infections? [3]

Answer 2

Type 1: Burkitt’s lymphoma
Type 2: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Type 3: In healthy individuals

Question 3

In the three different latent infections, what molecules are expressed in each type?

Answer 3

Type 1: EBV Encoding RNA (EBER) and EBV Nuclear Antigen (EBNA1)
Type 2: Latent plasma membrane proteins (LMP1, LMP2a, LMP2b) + EBER and EBNA1
Type 3: LMPs, EBER, and EBNA1, EBNA2, EBNA3a, EBNA3c

Question 4

Which tests are used to diagnose EBV infection? [2]

Answer 4

ELISA and Monospot test

Question 5

name the 3 variants of Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Answer 5

Endemic - affects mainly face
Sporradic - affects mainly ileocecal region
Immunodeficiency associated - affects those with HIV

Question 6

How can EBV infection be prevented? [3]

Answer 6

Avoid kissing young children on the mouth
Avoid contact with saliva
Don’t share utensils

Question 7

what is the incubation period for infectious mononucleosis?

Answer 7

30-50 days

Question 8

how does EBV’s epidemiology differ in developed versus developing countries?

Answer 8

In developed countries it has two peaks (one in 1-6 yr olds, another in 14-20 yr olds)
In developing countries, 90% of children below 5yrs are already seropositive

Question 9

Describe EBV’s pathogenesis

Answer 9

Attaches to CD21 r on B cells using gp350/220 
Is endocytosed 
Transported to nucleus 
Circularizes into an episome 
Produces latent or lytic infection