What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
Q: What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
A: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpesvirus that is one of eight viruses in the herpes family. It is one of the most common viruses in humans and is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever).
Q: How does EBV spread?
A: EBV spreads through oral transfer, which means it can be transferred by saliva or genital secretions.
Q: How many people are infected with EBV?
A: In the United States, about half of all five-year-old children and about 90 percent of adults have evidence of previous infection. Many children become infected with EBV but usually experience no symptoms or just mild, brief illnesses.
Q: What happens when someone becomes infected with EBV during adolescence?
A: When someone becomes infected with EBV during adolescence, it causes glandular fever 35 to 50 percent of the time.
Q: Where does EBV infect in the body?
A: EBV infects B cells in the immune system and epithelial cells.
Q: Does non-active EBV stay in a person's body for life after an initial infection has been brought under control?
A: Yes, once an initial infection has been brought under control, non-active EBV stays in a person's B cells for life.
Q: How many cancer cases per year may be caused by or associated with EBV? A: Approximately 200,000 cancer cases per year may be caused by or associated with EBV.
