Sore Throat (EBV) - Clincial Questions

Question 1

How is EBV spread?

Answer 1

By kissing

Question 2

What cancers have been linked to EBV infections?

Answer 2

Burkett lymphoma (malignancy of the jaw) 
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)

Question 3

What are the two main sites of virus replication for the epstein-barr virus?

Answer 3

Oropharyngeal epithelium

Following which some of the progeny viruses infect B lymphocytes

Question 4

What effect does the epstein barr virus have on B cells that’s are effected?

Answer 4

It causes the expression of genes whose products results in latency and immortalisation of the B cell.

The early gene expression in a EBV infection promotes cell multiplication and immortalisation as opposed to cell death

Question 5

How does EBV in saliva cause atypical lymphocytes and enlargement of liver, spleen and lymph nodes?

Answer 5

EBV in saliva infect epithelial cells of oropharynx and then B cells

Cause B cell proliferation

Cause expression of EBV early proteins

Causes T cell activation

This can cause both atypical lymphocytes production and enlargement of liver,spleen and lymph nodes

Question 6

How can EBV be identified?

Answer 6

Test for the IgM (heterophile antibodies) that will be produced by the infected B cells

Question 7

What are the symptoms of an EBV infection?

Answer 7

Pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, fever, splenomegaly and increased levels of liver enzymes in blood. Headaches and malaise

Question 8

What is a common condition caused by EBV?

Answer 8

Glandular fever

Question 9

What is a typical observation made when looking at a blood smear of someone with EBV?

Answer 9

Atypical lymphocytes

Question 10

What drug has some action against EBV?

Answer 10

Acyclovir