Epstein-Barr virus infection and associated diseases in children

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an ubiquitous human B lymphotropic virus, is the cause of infectious mononucleosis. Moreover, EBV infection can be followed by lymphoproliferative diseases in patients with inherited and acquired immunodeficiencies. Primary EBV infection may be a threat to all children after marrow or organ transplantation or those receiving chronic immunosuppressive treatment for various other reasons. The virus has been also implicated in the pathogenesis of different malignant tumours such as Burkitt lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin disease and some T-cell lymphomas. This review focuses on various aspects of virus-host interactions, immune mechanisms of the host, and the still experimental therapeutic approaches in EBV-associated diseases.

Unexplained acute renal failure in a toddler: a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus

“…The "atypical" lymphocytes that are classic markers of EBV infection represent the T cell proliferation response to infected B cells. This defense mechanism is mediated by a dramatic expansion of the CD8+ cytotoxic T cell population and results in suppression of the normal CD4/CD8 ratio [2,4].…”

“…Mononucleosis classically presents with fever, exudative pharyngitis, malaise, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Atypical and very infrequent presentations include pneumonia, shock, blood dyscrasias, fulminant hepatitis, encephalitis, renal insufficiency with or without nephritis, carditis, arthritis, uveitis, or pancreatitis [2,3].…”

“…In privileged environments, primary EBV infection occurs later in childhood or in young adulthood, where its most common clinical presentation is as infectious mononucleosis [1,2]. In addition to oropharyngeal and salivary epithelial cells, EBV preferentially infects B lymphocytes.…”

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disease after Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation

“…Primary infection with EBV usually occurs during childhood or adolescence, and by the age of 30, more than 90% of the population have become seropositive [5]. …”

Andrographolide Inhibits Epstein–Barr Virus Lytic Reactivation in EBV-Positive Cancer Cell Lines through the Modulation of Epigenetic-Related Proteins

“…Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an important human pathogen with a worldwide distribution. Most people in developing countries acquire the infection in the first few years of life, often by ages 3–4 years, whereas infection in developed countries is often delayed until adolescence [ 1 , 2 ]. About 95% of the worldwide population has persistent EBV latent infection.…”