Epstein Barr Virus EBV Flashcards
What is the target cell for EBV?
B cells for life
What type of infection is in EBV?
Latent infection
What is another name for Epstein Barr virus?
Glandular fever
What type of virus is EBV?
dsDNA, enveloped virus
Method of transmission of EBV
Saliva transmission
e.g. kissing
Mechanism of infection of Epstein Barr Virus
- Passed on through saliva transmission eg kissing
- First infects oropharyngeal epithelial cells and the B lymphocytes
- Results in T cell proliferation
Symptoms of Epstein Barr VIrus
Fever
Pharyngitis - sore throat
Swollen lymph glands in neck
Fatigue
Splenomegaly
General unwell feelings
Treatment of Epstein Barr Virus
Supportive treatment - rest, fluid + painkillers
acyclovir - anti viral if necessary
Complication of Epstein Barr Virus
Hodgkin’s lymphoma- Reed-Sternberg cells + gastric lymphoma
Who is EBV most common in?
Teenagers
Young adults
What is latent infection?
Infection of the organism presents with no symptoms
Symptomless incubation period
What group of viruses does EBV belong to?
Herpes virus family
What is acute EBV characterised by?
Massive increase in number of CD8+ in the peripheral blood
Explain the antibody response to EBV
IgM increases during acute EBV
After a few months, antibodies switch to IgG
Explain the process of EBV infecting and the immune response
- EBV initially infects B cells in oropharynx
- EBV proteins drive B cell proliferation
- CD4+ cells recognise EDV infected cells + coordinate response
- CD8+ destroy infected cells
- IgM anti EBV antibodies produced
- cytokines produced in response to EDV active immune system
- excess TNF + IL-6 cause fever and fatigue
- as infections falls, immune response dies down - only a few long lived CD4+ T cells + CD8+ memory cells persist
