Chronic Epstein-Barr Syndrome

Epstein-Barr was discovered in 1964, and it's the virus that causes the disease called mononucleosis, more commonly known as "the kissing disease." Epstein-Barr is part of the herpes family of viruses. It's estimated that 75 to 90 percent of the population is infected with the virus, but because symptoms vary widely in severity, many are unaware of their infection. Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV) is also associated with a more common disease known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Symptoms

• Because CEBV has such a wide range of symptoms, the disease is often misdiagnosed by doctors. The most prominent symptoms are fatigue and depression, the reason most CEBV victims are misdiagnosed with mental disorders such as bipolar, manic depressive and even hypochondria disorders. Because patients are misdiagnosed, CEBV can linger for years until proper medication and treatment are administered. Other symptoms of CEBV include aggression, cold sweats, excessive worry, fever and headaches.

Diagnosis and Tests

• If your primary care physician suspects CEBV, two tests are available to diagnose and verify the infection. Because Epstein-Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis, the same test used to detect that disease can be used for CEBV. Monospot tests are the most common tests for Epstein-Barr, even if it has progressed to CEBV. Additionally, antibody tests are done to detect the presence of the viral antibodies. Antibodies are produced a few weeks after infection, so this test is useful after infection has been present for a while.

Treatment

• Because CEBV is a virus, there is no treatment to correct the disease other than supportive care. The only form of treatment is medication that limits symptoms and their severity. Some CEBV sufferers take antidepressants, antianxiety medications and even steroids for the swelling. Rest, exercise and plenty of fluids are recommended to ensure full recovery. Weight lifting increases the chances of spleenic rupture, so it should be eliminated while recovering from CEBV.

Prevention

• It's unknown exactly how Epstein-Barr is spread, so its prevention is also unknown. It's commonly thought to spread through saliva, but some patients have reported that that mode of transmission wasn't possible. People who are immunocompromised are also more susceptible to infection.

Prevalence

• Because of the prevalence of CEBV, some scientists suggest it's an epidemic. CEBV is also asymptomatic for many people, so it's spread unknowingly. The virus also acts differently in different countries, so it's possible that many strains exist.