In an interview with Europa Press Salud Infosalus, Dr. Felipe Franco Burbano, coordinator of Emergency Services at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Madrid, explains the ‘power’ of this common virus lies in its ability to alter the immune response and cellular function:
·Autoimmune Diseases: It is believed that EBV contributes to diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis through a mechanism called «molecular mimicry»; the virus produces proteins similar to those of some cells in the body, which can lead the immune system to mistakenly attack them, triggering an autoimmune response.
·Cancer: EBV is associated with lymphomas such as Burkitt’s and Hodgkin’s, as well as nasopharyngeal carcinoma; its role in cancer is due to its ability to activate cellular genes that promote uncontrolled proliferation of infected cells, and the inhibition to control such multiplication.
«Although EBV is usually harmless in most people, presenting as any uncomplicated viral infection, in certain cases it can contribute to serious illnesses by interfering with the regulation of the immune system and cell growth control,» argues this expert.
A NECESSARY CONDITION FOR DEVELOPING THE DISEASE
Meanwhile, from the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), spokesperson Gema Fernández Rivas explains that recent scientific studies link EBV to multiple sclerosis.
«It is shown that all individuals who develop multiple sclerosis are infected with this virus. This does not mean that all individuals infected with it will develop multiple sclerosis obviously, but it is a necessary condition for developing the disease,» she adds.
It is believed that the virus can trigger this disease by altering the immune response, as this doctor continues, and causing antibodies against ourselves (autoantibodies) to attack different parts of the body. «In individuals with autoimmune diseases, the VEB infection would not be the cause, but a key factor,» she points out.
Furthermore, the SEIMC member indicates that it has also been linked to various types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or some types of lymphoma, because infected cells multiply uncontrollably and autonomously, and the programmed cell death that human cells have to prevent this uncontrolled proliferation does not occur. «This process in combination with other factors can lead to cancer development,» she adds.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 90% OF THE POPULATION IS INFECTED
Dr. Felipe Franco Burbano, coordinator of Emergency Services at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora del Rosario, reminds us that EBV is mainly transmitted through saliva, so contagion can occur through kissing (hence it is widely known as the kissing disease), sharing utensils, glasses, or toothbrushes, and even through saliva droplets when speaking. «It can also be transmitted through infected blood or organs, although this is less common,» he warns.
This emergency physician also maintains that the infection usually occurs in childhood or adolescence: «In young children, it generally goes unnoticed or presents with mild symptoms similar to a cold. However, when acquired in adolescence or early adulthood, it can cause infectious mononucleosis, with symptoms such as intense fatigue, fever, swollen glands, and sore throat, which can last for days or weeks.»
PREVENTING PRIMARY INFECTION OR AVOIDING REACTIVATION
From the SEIMC, Dr. Gema Fernández Rivas laments, however, that currently there is no vaccine available to prevent primary EBV infection, although she maintains that some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of contagion:
Avoiding contact with saliva from infected individuals, as EBV is mainly transmitted through this route (for example, kissing, sharing utensils, glasses, or toothbrushes). Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently to prevent transmission. Avoiding sharing personal items that may be contaminated with saliva. Being cautious in high-risk environments, such as shared dormitories or gatherings where people have symptoms of infectious mononucleosis.
The only factor capable of preventing the virus from reactivating is maintaining a strong immune system. «Currently, there are some antivirals that can be used in certain situations to control the virus’s replication, but they do not completely eliminate it. Due to its impact on health, the scientific community is working on treatments and vaccines against EBV. In addition, specific antiviral treatments are being developed that would target the virus machinery and prevent its replication, immunotherapy with specific cells or with specific antibodies against VEB,» she adds.
She also mentions that vaccines are being developed to prevent primary EBV infections: «Vaccines could be key to preventing primary infection and reducing the risk of other diseases associated with EBV. However, we are still in the early stages of research, and there are still years before they may be available.»