HHV-4

• Epstein Barr Virus (EBV/HHV-4

  AKA Human Herpes Virus–4

  • Latency in B lymphocytes
  • Causes infectious mononucleosis (Glandular fever or Kissing disease mononucleosis), assoc. w/ Burkitt’s lymphoma, other B-cell lymphomas & nasopharyngeal carcinomas, oral hairy leukoplakia, Hodgkin’s, Duncan syndrome
  • Infects mainly lymphoid cells primarily B lymphocytes
  • Replicates w/in B-cells

  
• MOT of EBV/HHV-4

  Exchange of saliva (kissing)
• The two approaches in diagnosing EBV/HHV-4

  Hematologic Approach: Increased WBC count w/ atypical lymphocytes (large activated lympho) on blood smear

  Immunologic/serologic approach:

  • Heterophile antibody test
  • Useful for early dx of IM
  • Uses sheep’s rbc
  • Paul Bunnel 
  • Detects total heterophile ab
  • Monospot test
  • Detection of heterophile ab
  • Uses horse’s rbc

  EBV specific ab test & monospot are simple and reliable tests
• Common sites of infection

  • Herpes Simplex Virus & Varicella Zoster Virus: skin & mucous membrane

  CMV & Epstein Barr: internal