Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein Barr Virus Profile

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belongs to the herpes group of viruses that causes cold sores, genital herpes and glandular fever.  It is passed from person to person by saliva, hence the term ‘kissing disease’ and can also be spread by the sharing food and utensils. It is also possible for it to spread through sexual contact however carriers of the virus can pass it on without developing it themselves.  By the age of 30, nearly 90% of all adults will have developed antibodies to EBV, indicating a full degree of immunity, after this age an attack of glandular fever becomes very rare.

 

Once the virus enters the body it multiplies in lymphocytes, and affects the respiratory system, lymphatic tissues, and glands in the neck, groin, armpit, bronchial tubes, spleen and liver. All the viruses in the herpes group have the capacity to stay in the body after causing an initial infection, and produce lifelong latent infections. This latent infection is usually kept in check by the host’s immune system, however any compromise in immunity can lead to reactivation of the virus and a recurrent infection. This infection can further disrupt immunity and lead to other diseases.

EBV antibody testing is a useful measure of immune function and overall host resistance and a reactivation of past EBV infections has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, this can not be used exclusively for a diagnosis of CFS.

Signs and symptoms associated with EBV

• Evidence of viral infection

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Swollen glands

• Fatigue / malaise

• Persistent ‘flu like illness’ often transient in nature

• Aching muscles and joints

• Poor memory

• Intestinal problems

• Candida

• Sensitivity to light and heat

• Depression

• Headaches

• Jaundice

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

Pricing

Description		(RRP) Price
Epstein Barr Virus		£70.00
Chronic Fatigue Screen		£280.00
Metabolic Analysis Profile		£240.00
Adrenal Stress Index		£70.00

To order test go to Having a Test