Epstein Barr Virus - Infections, Diagnosis and Treatment

Cause of Pfeiffer's glandular fever and possible cause of cancer

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the herpes viruses and over 90 percent of adult humans are infected with it. In particular, in children and adolescents, the virus may be the trigger for glandular fever (mononucleosis). Named after its discoverers, the virologist and pathologist Sir Michael Anthony Epstein and his assistant Yvonne M. Barr Ph.D., the Epstein-Barr virus is now considered as a possible cause of cancer.

contents

• Cause of Pfeiffer's glandular fever and possible cause of cancer
• Contagion with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
• Occurrence and symptoms of infections
• Pfeiffer's glandular fever or mononucleosis
• diagnostics
• Conventional therapy
• Treatment in Naturopathy
• Synonyms for the virus and diseases

Contagion with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

The mononucleosis is transmitted mainly by contact or droplet infection, in particular by salivary contact, which is why it is also referred to as "Kissing Disease". The Epstein-Barr virus can also be transmitted during intercourse, especially if it leads to minor injuries, in which blood is transmitted. But a shared glass, on which there are still saliva leftovers, is a possible transmission path.

The Estein-Barr virus is one of the herpes viruses and remains in the body for a lifetime after infection. (Image: Kateryna Kon / fotolia.com)

After infection, the Epstein-Barr virus remains in the body. It is then located in the so-called B memory cells. These play an important role in immune defense. So it is also possible that people who are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, infect other people without them symptoms have occurred so far.

Occurrence and symptoms of infections

Over 90 percent of adults carry the Epstein-Barr virus and it is thought to be a risk factor for certain types of tumors (especially the nose and throat) that are very prevalent in Asia. In the tropical regions of Africa, it is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma, a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system.

Pfeiffer's glandular fever or mononucleosis

The virus can - as already mentioned - trigger the Pfeiffer's glandular fever (Infectious Mononucleosis). This is named after the Wiesbaden pediatrician and internist Emil Pfeiffer (1846-1921). Children and adolescents are particularly affected, but as the disease is often mild, mononucleosis is often not recognized as such.

The symptoms of mononucleosis are flu-like, which means:

• slight fever,
• a headache,
• body aches,
• Sore throat
• and to a general malaise

It can also cause swelling of lymph nodes, spleen enlargement and other symptoms. Since the so-called lymphatic pharyngeal ring is often infected, it can also cause an inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and throat (pharyngitis, pharyngitis) with whitish deposits (pseudomembranous tonsillitis) come. Some sufferers also showed small rashes.

In summary, it can be said that the direct sequelae of Epstein-Barr virus in Europe is rather harmless. It can occasionally come to long-lasting illnesses. In humans, for whom the immune system is not intact - for example in the context of HIV infections, the treatment of certain tumor diseases or artificial immune suppression in humans after organ transplants - it may seem to favor certain tumor cancers of the lymphatic system. Also, the viruses can repeatedly cause discomfort. These recurrent diseases caused by the virus are not a sign of a new infection, because the virus remains in the organism and is reactivated, for example due to an immunodeficiency.

Mononucleosis is also called a kiss disease because the Epstein-Baar virus can be transmitted by saliva. (Image: frameworks2014 / fotolia.com)

In a study on infectious mononucleosis in Munich (ICMM study), in which nationwide children and university hospitals are involved, is since 2016 investigated which vaccination options against Epstein-Barr virus are possible and what links between an EBV infection and Tumor diseases exist. Prof. Uta Behrends of the TU Munich commented: "We expect that the data from this study and the tools we develop will enable us to answer many questions about the different course of EBV infections." (See Federal Ministry of Education and Research).

Also suspected correlations with the occurrence of Hodgkin's disease (a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system), multiple sclerosis, malaria, breast cancer and breast fibroadenomas (benign adhesions) are currently being investigated further.

diagnostics

A chronic medical challenge is the chronic exposure to the virus because the symptoms are delayed and can be poorly recognized using conventional diagnostic tools. Fine energy measurements, for example, with electroacupuncture or bioresonance techniques, however, indicate viral loadings in humans, but can not be detected in clinical laboratory examinations, except in the form of the disease undergone. The dark field microscopy can reveal a corresponding burden.

The naturopathic perspective: Chronic viral load produces different clinical pictures

A conversion of the original pathogen into a so-called slow virus version is assumed, which can produce chronic symptoms that no longer correspond to the acute picture of the viral disease. The Epstein-Barr virus, which is often diagnosed with the above-mentioned measuring methods, is here associated, for example, with the clinical picture of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), with physical weakness, chronic headache, depression, neurological problems of the eyes impairments and thinking ability as well as a general susceptibility to infection. However, the Epstein-Barr virus is only a partial cause. Prerequisite for outbreak and type of disorder rather depend on the basic burden of those affected on factors such as acidity, Übergeäuerung, heavy metal and environmental pollution, Störherden (especially teeth), deficiency based on trace elements and the constitution of the person concerned.

Conventional therapy

In case of a disease with the virus and the onset of Pfeiffer's glandular fever, conventional medicine recommends sparing, in long-lasting processes with swelling of the spleen (due to the risk of a tear) and the medical treatment of (rarely) complications occurring, namely inflammation of other organ systems such as Example:

• of the heart muscle (myocarditis),
• the eyes,
• of the kidneys (nephritis),
• the liver (hepatitis),
• of the brain (encephalitis),
• the lung (pneumonia)
• or abnormal changes of the blood (thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis).

Treatment in Naturopathy

In acute form, the mononucleosis naturopathic measures is easily accessible. Depending on the therapeutic direction, physical measures, medicinal plants, homeopathic medicines and preparations from bacteria and fungi are used to support the self-healing powers, to relieve symptoms and to strengthen the immune system.

The goal of the therapy is not primarily the destruction of the viruses

Accordingly, the therapy does not aim at the destruction of the viruses, but at a change of the internal environment (blood, tissue, intestine, cell respiration) in order to stop further development of the viruses and to strengthen the immune system. Important pillars here are a continuous change in diet as well as the administration of (herbal) medicines, minerals, vitamin supplements, possibly the rehabilitation of the intestine, the dentition of the dentist, the strengthening of weakened organs and much more - always with regard to the constitution of those affected.

Licorice root (licorice) is antiviral and found in many herbal teas. (Image: arunsri / fotolia.com)

In addition, of course, herbs with antiviral effects can be used, such as:

• garlic,
• Echinacea,
• licorice,
• Lemon balm or
• ginger.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as the base for licorice) is believed to be highly effective against herpes viruses, including the Epstein-Baar virus. Echinacea, on the other hand, is not only antiviral but also strengthens the immune system.

The Naturopathy and holistic-oriented physicians also point out in connection with chronic viral infections on the fact that must be strengthened already prophylactically detoxification organs and immune system to acute and chronic infections with the Epstein-Barr virus and other commonly found viruses such as the herpes zoster Virus, herpes simplex virus, measles viruses, the cytomegalovirus, the parotitis virus or influenza viruses.

Synonyms for the virus and diseases

EBV, human herpes virus 4, HHV 4, kissing disease, kiss disease, Pfeiffer's disease, glandular fever, infectious mononucleosis, monocyte angina, mononucleosis infectiosa. (tf, jvs, fp, ok, updated 22.08.2018)