Einstein-Barra virus: causes, symptoms and treatment
One of the most common virusesthe planet today is considered the Epstein-Barr virus. According to various sources, antibodies that testify to a meeting with him, are in 80-90% of adults, although the first contact, as a rule, is already in the kindergarten. Once in the human body, the Einstein-Barr virus can in general not manifest at all or lead to infectious mononucleosis, a syndrome of chronic fatigue. Its danger also lies in the ability to provoke chronic processes in almost all organs, including the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the possibility of causing lymphogranulomatosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Supplementing serious immune diseases (eg, AIDS), the Einstein-Barr virus sometimes leads to death. It can be infected from an already infected person, in particular, through:
- saliva;
- blood;
- household things;
- intimate contacts;
- air (airborne droplets).
Symptoms. Mononucleosis
As already mentioned, media can take a long timetime not to guess that there is an Einstein-Barr virus in their blood. Symptoms clearly manifested during primary infection. Actually, then there is a disease called "infectious mononucleosis". It is characterized by:
- a sharp increase in temperature to 38-39 ° C;
- sore throat;
- weakness;
- rash (rarely);
- enlarged lymph nodes.
Such symptoms are also characteristic of angina, and thereforenot always doctors can establish the correct diagnosis. After an acute period, complete recovery is possible, which happens in isolated cases, passive carrying of the virus (without any signs) or chronic mononucleosis (active infection). In the latter case, the patient complains about:
- joint pain;
- sweating;
- constant fatigue;
- frequent infectious and fungal diseases;
- a subfebrile condition;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- problems from the nervous system, in particular, dizziness, insomnia, impaired attention and memory, etc.
Diagnostics
In order to identify the Einstein-Barr viruschildren, it is necessary to conduct a number of laboratory studies. So, first of all it is necessary to give a general blood test. The carriers of the virus are characterized by an increase in lymphocytes. It is also necessary to conduct a study of the immune system, in particular, to establish the level of immunoglobulins. Information on the activity of the virus can be obtained through the analysis of blood for antibodies. If they are found to antigen EBV IgM, we can talk about the acute phase of the disease, that is, there is a primary infection or there is a chronic form of mononucleosis during the exacerbation.
Antibodies of the same class of EBNA IgG indicatea meeting with a virus in the past, or a chronic passive form. They remain in the blood of a person for the rest of their life, but are not an indication for treatment. To establish, where the virus is contained (blood, urine, saliva), DNA diagnostics will help.
Treatment
To treat the Einstein-Barr virus is in the case,when it is in active form. First of all, the patient is prescribed the use of interferon-alpha drugs. In addition, anomalous nucleotides are used in complex treatment. It can be ganciclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir. Also offered is a course of treatment with immunoglobulins. If the Einstein-Barr virus is in a passive state, then there is no need for medication. To raise the immunity and fight the virus will help folk remedies. So, good antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect causes horseradish, garlic, as well as birch buds, rose hips, linden leaves, calendula, thyme, sage, coltsfoot.
