A member of the herpesvirus family that induces the occurrence of mononucleosis.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family. It can lead to glandular fever and following the initial infection, the virus becomes inactive but remains within the cells of the immune system, with the potential to reactivate later. The Epstein-Barr virus is among the few viruses that have been definitively linked to the formation of cancerous tumors. In Africa, it’s associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma, and in Southeast Asia, it’s linked to nasopharyngeal cancer. Additionally, the Epstein-Barr virus can also cause lymphomas in patients who have undergone transplant surgery.
Epstein-Barr virus is also linked to other conditions such as certain instances of acute hepatitis. In individuals with AIDS, this virus can cause a condition known as oral hairy leukoplakia, which manifests as rough, white patches on the sides of the tongue.