Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus (CAEBV)
What is chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV)?
Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a rare disease that begins as a standard case of Epstein-Barr virus (EPV) infection. EPV is one of the most common viruses in humans and can cause mono and other illnesses. It is usually translated through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, most people infected with EBV won’t develop any health problems. Only a small amount of people with EPV develop CAEBV. In this infection, the body makes too many lymphocytes, a particular type of white blood cell, for a period of time longer than six months. Lymphocytes are important because they help the immune system fight off diseases and prevent infection by producing antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria. Many antibodies made to fight EBV in the blood is a major characteristic of this disease. This disease affects men and women equally, and occurs more frequently in Asia and South America.What are the symptoms of CAEBV?
Not every patient will necessarily have every symptom listed below. Symptoms include:- Fever
- Enlarged spleen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Liver dysfunction
- Anemia
- Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites
- Rash
- Oral ulcers
- Hemophagocytic syndrome
- Coronary artery aneurysms
- Interstitial pneumonia
- Lymphoma
- Liver failure