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Do Epstein Barr & Lyme Have Similar Symptoms?

Epstein-Barr Virus and Lyme disease may share similar symptoms, but are different diseases. Epstein-Barr is a virus transmitted from the saliva of an infected person during intimate contact. The bite of a black-legged tick carrying the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes Lyme disease. Both may appear as flu-like symptoms, although a characteristic rash may distinguish the two.

  1. Symptoms

    • Epstein-Barr Virus is a member of the herpes virus family and one of the most common viruses. Most people become infected with this virus at some point in their lives, either as infants when maternal antibodies disappear, or by adulthood. Epstein-Barr Virus, also referred to as EBV, occurs worldwide.

      EBV symptoms in children may not be present or are mild, and indistinguishable from other illnesses in childhood. When EBV infection occurs in adolescence or young adulthood, it can cause infectious mononucleosis.

      Persons infected with EBV may experience a fever, severe sore throat and swollen lymph glands. A swollen spleen or liver may develop. Rarely, involvement of the central nervous system may occur. Severe fatigue can accompany these symptoms as well. EBV is never fatal.

      Lyme disease, although caused by bacteria, has similar symptoms to EBV. Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and headache can occur. One distinguishing characteristic of Lyme disease is a rash. A small, red bump may appear at the site of the tick bite. This may take a few days to a month to appear. It may be warm and tender to touch. Gradually, the redness expands, and can resemble a bulls-eye, forming a red ring surrounding a clear and red center. This rash is called erythema migrans. Joint pain, especially in the knee area, can result if the infection is not treated in the early stages .

      Blood tests and exams are used to diagnose Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease.

      Epstein-Barr virus diagnosis may depend on symptoms and age. Serologic results with an increase in the white blood cell count and an increase in the percentage of atypical white cells, along with a positive reaction to a "mono spot" test, can confirm the virus.

      Lyme disease is easier to diagnose with laboratory testing in the later stages. Areas where Lyme disease is common, along with a rash, and flu-like symptoms, can be enough for a physician to make a diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Epstein-Barr Virus has no current treatment. There are no anti-viral drugs or vaccines. Steroids have been given to reduce the swelling of the throat and tonsils. The infection seldom lasts longer than four months.

      Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, so a few weeks of antibiotic therapy in most cases is sufficient to successfully treat the infection.

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