Epstein-Barr Virus
Also written as EBV.
This is endemic Burkitt lymphoma, linked to Epstein-Barr virus and chronic malaria.
EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS (EBV)
- Prevalence: Infects 95% of the human population
- Key feature: Oncogenic virus
- Transmission: Intimate contact with infected saliva ("kissing disease"); not airborne or blood-borne normally
Read this in Herpesviruses: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Tx
What our notes say
- This is endemic Burkitt lymphoma, linked to Epstein-Barr virus and chronic malaria. (Paediatrics end of fourth year main exam: 1 July 2019, Paper One, 99 of 100 MCQs)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) are both members of the Herpesviridae family and share the fundamental herpesvirus property of establishing lifelong latent infection. (EXAM: Vaccines & Antivirals, Rabies, CMV & EBV, Adenovirus & Enteroviruses)
- EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS (EBV)Associated with: Burkitt lymphoma AND infectious mononucleosis * — both caused by EBV. (MBChB Year 3 Medical Virology Exam Notes: HSV, CMV, EBV)
- Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is characterized by lymphocytosis of activated CD8+ T cells (atypical lymphocytes) and can lead to complications such as splenic rupture. (White Cell Disorders — Must-Know Notes)
- Infectious mononucleosis is an acute, self-limited disease of adolescents and young adults caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpesvirus. (White Cell Disorders — Must-Know Notes)
- About 75% of cases have a history of a preceding infection, including viral (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus) and bacterial (Campylobacter jejuni) agents. (CNS PATHOLOGY — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
Study material on Epstein-Barr Virus
- EXAM: Vaccines & Antivirals, Rabies, CMV & EBV, Adenovirus & Enteroviruses
- White Cell Disorders — Must-Know Notes
- Herpesviridae: HSV-1, HSV-2 Pathogenesis & Clinical Diseases
- Herpesviruses: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Tx
- Herpesviridae: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment
- EXAM: Influenza, Viral Receptors & Spikes, Interferons, and Viral Pathogenesis
- hematopathology
- EXAM: Hepatitis Viruses, Oncogenic Viruses, Paramyxoviruses & Arboviruses
- Hematology MCQs
- Here are all 45 questions, complete with full stems, choices, and answers.
- Respiratory System Pathology 1A — Practice Questions
Practice questions on Epstein-Barr Virus
Where is the niche for Epstein-Barr virus in humans?
- Respiratory epithelium
- Thoracic nerves
- Liver
- Lymphoid tissue and salivary glands
Answer: D. EBV establishes latency in B lymphocytes (lymphoid tissue) and reactivates in salivary gland epithelium, explaining why it is shed in saliva and transmitted via kissing. This dual tropism is central to its biology. ---