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What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of a number of herpes viruses. While the term "herpes" usually is considered to be a condition, caused by sexual contact, sexually transmitted herpes is only one of many herpes viruses. EBV is also called herpes virus 4, and it is most frequently recognized as one of the viruses most commonly responsible for mononucleosis (mono).

Contraction of EBV does not always mean a person will develop mononucleosis, however. Someone who is exposed to the virus as an adolescent typically has, at most, a 50% chance of developing the illness. People who are exposed can still pass the virus on to others, however, even if they don't develop mono themselves. The virus can also become dormant and reactivate years later; it usually does not cause symptoms once active again, but can be passed on to others.

The Epstein-Barr virus can become dormant and reactivate years later.
The Epstein-Barr virus can become dormant and reactivate years later.

Mononucleosis is most common in adolescents, and when contracted by children can result in symptoms like a fever, sore throat, and fatigue for a few weeks. Some children will have full-blown mono, which can last for up to four months, but many will never develop serious symptoms. Epstein-Barr virus is extremely prevalent, however, and most people show exposure to the virus by the time they reach adulthood.

Some research has suggested a connection between the Epstein-Barr Virus and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some research has suggested a connection between the Epstein-Barr Virus and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some research has suggested a connection between EBV and chronic fatigue syndrome, although the relationship is unclear. Mononucleosis symptoms which last for longer than six months are sometimes referred to as "chronic EBV," although many times tests do not find that the virus is still active. Many experts think that, in such cases, there may be other causes for chronic fatigue, especially since most people have been exposed to the virus and do not develop the condition.

Many impoverished children have a weakened immune system that can leave them unable to fend off the Epstein-Barr virus.
Many impoverished children have a weakened immune system that can leave them unable to fend off the Epstein-Barr virus.

Epstein-Barr virus may also be indicated in certain forms of cancer. EBV is frequently detected in those who have a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, called Burkitt's lymphoma. The virus is also thought to be a causal factor of carcinomas in the nose and throat. These cancers are most commonly found in people living in third world countries. They may also be present in patients who are immunosuppressed, in the form of tumors found in the muscles surrounding organs.

The presence of mononucleosis may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
The presence of mononucleosis may cause the lymph nodes to swell.

Burkitt's lymphoma actually responds extremely well to chemotherapy, and often can be resolved by such, though occasionally tumors along the jaw can recur. Those who have immunosuppressive illnesses or who have received transplants may have a more difficult treatment and recovery, since chemotherapy to treat such tumors further suppresses the immune system. Fortunately, these tumors are relatively rare.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

anon269935

There is a direct connection with EBV and CFS.

Misscoco

@lovealot - My cousin also has lab results that show that he has Epstein-Barr virus in a latent form. He said that he never had a weird flu that took forever to go away.

But a few years ago, he came down with something that made him very fatigued. After a number of trips to the doctor and tests to rule out some other possibilities, he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. He was also diagnosed with sleep apnea at about the same time, so it was really difficult to tell what was causing what.

It is beginning to look like there is some relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome and that wretched Epstein-Barr virus.

lovealot

My lab tests always show that I have the Epstein-Barr virus in my body. I didn't ever have mononucleosis, but I did have a strange flu when I was in my thirties. My symptoms were a low fever, very tired, and loss of appetite. It took weeks for it to go away.

I wonder if I had a flare-up of the Epstein-Bar virus that was hiding out in my body. I did go to the doctor and he didn't have a clue what was going on.

I've had shingles a couple of times. That darn chicken pox virus came back to life!

Can anyone relate a flu that didn't go away to the Epstein-Bar virus?

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    • The Epstein-Barr virus can become dormant and reactivate years later.
      By: Yang MingQi
      The Epstein-Barr virus can become dormant and reactivate years later.
    • Some research has suggested a connection between the Epstein-Barr Virus and chronic fatigue syndrome.
      By: RTimages
      Some research has suggested a connection between the Epstein-Barr Virus and chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Many impoverished children have a weakened immune system that can leave them unable to fend off the Epstein-Barr virus.
      By: poco_bw
      Many impoverished children have a weakened immune system that can leave them unable to fend off the Epstein-Barr virus.
    • The presence of mononucleosis may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
      By: Barabas Attila
      The presence of mononucleosis may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
    • Some research has suggested a connection between EBV and chronic fatigue syndrome.
      By: jedi-master
      Some research has suggested a connection between EBV and chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Contraction of EBV does not always mean that a person will develop mononucleosis.
      By: JackF
      Contraction of EBV does not always mean that a person will develop mononucleosis.