Epstein Barr Virus
The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types. EBV was the first identified oncogenic virus, discovered by Drs M.A. Epstein, Yvonne Barr, and Bert Achong as the causative factor in Burkitt’s lymphomas.
EBV is one of the most common human viruses, infecting approximately 90% of the population. EBV infects B cells and epithelial cells. Once EBV's initial lytic infection is brought under control, EBV latency persists in the individual's memory B cells for the rest of their life.
EBV is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis. However, EBV is also responsible for a number of cancers and autoimmune disorders.
EBV and Cancer
Approximately 240,000-360,000 cancer cases globally per year are attributed to EBV, including;
- Epstein–Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative diseases: Burkitt lymphoma, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Non-lymphoid malignancies: gastric cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- HIV associated malignancies: hairy leukoplakia and central nervous system lymphomas
EBV and Autoimmune Disorders
Recent evidence indicates that EBV is associated with numerous autoimmune disorders, including
- Multiple sclerosis
- Dermatomyositis
- Systemic lupus
- Erythematosus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
