Epstein-Barr Virus
Description
Chronic epstein-barr virus infection (CEBV infection) is a label applied to a syndrome characterized by non-specific complaints such as extreme fatigue, muscle aches and neurological symptoms.
Some individuals with this syndrome have been found to have elevated levels of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in their bloodstream. According to some researchers, this elevation (and the similarity of these symptoms to those experienced in infectious mononucleosis) directly implicate EBV as the causative agent of the syndrome. Most of the medical establishment questions the existence of this syndrome and the EBV's role in its causation, citing the increase in antibodies may be a non-specific (coincidental) response to infection with a second unknown organism.
Almost 90% of all adults have been exposed to the virus, as evidenced by antibodies to the EBV in their blood. Infection with the virus generally occurs at an early age, when the symptoms tend to be mild or undetectable. Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV) infection is considered a reactivation of the latent virus by high levels of stress. CEBV infection has been described mostly in women with stressful jobs, giving it the nickname "Yuppie flu." In Europe, the standard diagnostic term is: "Myalgic Encephalitis" (M E).
The toll that the symptoms take on the body and psyche can be devastating. The patient may consult dozens of physicians before being diagnosed as having a CEBV infection. Many doctors are unaware, or remain unconvinced, of the existence of the syndrome. Sufferers are often diagnosed as having the flu, a primary infection with mononucleosis, or a host of other maladies. Some physicians may attribute the vague, non-specific symptoms to a patient's hypochondria. Meanwhile the symptoms persist, sometimes lasting as long as three years before waning, only to return in times of stress.
The only available treatment is an antiviral drug called Acyclovir, which also relieves the symptoms of genital herpes simplex. Acyclovir helps contain the EBV to the cells already affected, allowing new virus-free cells to be produced by the body. Because it merely limits viral replication, acyclovir reduces the symptoms but cannot cure the CEBV. Since the drug does not effect a cure, it can only coax symptoms into remission until the next episode is triggered. Treatment of symptoms should therefore be coupled with individual counseling - focusing on education, coping skills and identification of limits. One support group is the National CEBV Syndrome Association, Inc., P.O. Box 230108, Portland, OR 97223.
Causes
The EBV belongs to the herpes family, occurring naturally only in man but transmissible experimentally to primates and other animals. In man, the virus infects B lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies in an immune response. In the B lymphocyte, the EBV becomes incorporated into the genetic material of the cell, multiplying as the cell multiplies. The virus can remain active for any length of time, from a few weeks to several years. Once the immune system brings the EBV under control, the symptoms regress but the virus remains inactive in the cells. CEBV reactivates when the immune system is compromised, whether by stress or pregnancy or immunosuppressive drugs.
Studies of infected B lymphocytes have produced much of the information now available concerning the virus: its growth pattern, its tendency toward latency, the response it triggers from the host cells. EBV also has been found in the salivary gland cells and epithelial cells of infected individuals. It is not known which of these three cell types becomes infected first, serving as a source of infection for the others.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of CEBV infection are similar to those of mononucleosis, including:
| Extreme fatigue | Aching joints |
| Memory loss | Inability to concentrate |
| Sore throat | Fever |
| Swollen glands | Swollen eyelids |
| Night sweats | Nausea |
| Bladder dysfunction | Depression |
| Hair loss | Alcohol intolerance |
| Stomach pain | Rash |
| Dizziness |
Any combination of these symptoms may indicate CEBV infection. Each new episode of symptoms should be examined in itself, rather than immediately attributing it to CEBV to avoid overlooking other possible disease processes such as circulatory abnormalities or AIDS. Viral-specific tests, such as the heterophil antibody test, can indicate infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Immune System Support
Circulatory Support &
Nutrients for Brain Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| DHEA* | ||
| Lecithin* | ||
| SOD* | ||
| Vitamin C | 500 - 2,000 mg | N/A |
| Vitamin E | 100 - 400 IU | N/A |
| Zinc | 10 - 20 mg | N/A |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
No nutritional management is prescribed specifically for chronic epstein-barr virus infection. A Dietary Goals Diet should be followed to provide all the nutrients necessary for building a sound and disease-resistant body. Patients have tried various protein and amino acid supplement diets to little avail. Over the years, no significant change occurred in the severity of their symptoms.
Relief has been sought in anti-inflammatory drugs, but because of strong side effects they are not always recommended.
Homeopathic Remedy
Epstein-Barr Virus - (infectious mononucleosis, "mono")
1. Mercurialis perennis
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Echinacea Root (Echinacea angustifolia)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
St. John's wort
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
St. John's wort exhibits strong antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 as well as Epstein-Barr virus.
References:
Lavie, D: Antiviral pharmaceutical compositions containing hypericin or pseudohypericin. European Patent. 1987.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
With this sort of condition, it is a question of which symptom to treat, first. One can usually select muscle fatigue, or depression, or insomnia, not forgetting poor memory!
Depression:
| Geranium Essence, | Grapefruit Essence, |
| Rose Essence, | Tangerine Essence. |
Insomnia:
| Chamomile Essence, | Clary Sage Essence, |
| Lemon Essence, | Marjoram Essence, |
| Sandalwood Essence. |
Muscle Fatigue:
| Cypress Essence, | Eucalyptus Essence, | |
| Grapefruit Essence, | Marjoram Essence, | |
| Peppermint Essence, | Rosemary Essence, | |
| (Red) Thyme Essence. |
Poor Memory:
| Basil Essence, | Bergamot Essence, |
| Grapefruit Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Neroli Essence, | Rosemary Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Chronic Epstein Barr Virus infection has been associated with an aggravation of pre-existent allergies. Studies show that sufferers of CEBV feel more intense symptoms when their allergies are bothered than at other times during the year. Likewise, those with CEBV show significantly increased sensitivity to specific allergens when the virus is active. Some people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) show an increase in titers of CEBV antibody. This increase could stem from the instability of the immune system at the onset of the eczema, or it could indicate the role of CEBV in generating the allergy-related disease.
Allergy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Herpes Simplex
Mononucleosis
Shingles
References
Andersen-Lund, B.M.; Bergan, T. Temporary skin reactions to penicillins during the acute stage of infectious mononucleosis. Scand J Infect Dis 1975:21-8.
Bailey-RE.: Diagnosis and treatment of infectious mononucleosis. Am-Fam-Physician. 1994 Mar; 49(4): 879-88.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Connelly,P.K. & DeWitt, L.D.: Neurologic complications of infectious mononucleosis. Pediatr. Neurol. 1994 May; 10(3): 181-4.
Heinerman, John. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ.
Herbst H: Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin's disease. Semin Cancer Biol, 1996 Aug, 7:4, 183-9.
Hogg JC & Hegele RG: Adenovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in lung disease. Semin Respir Infect, 1995 Dec, 10:4, 244-53.
Jaffe, M.I. & A.R. Rabson. Lymphocyte Subsets in Measles: Depressed Helper/Inducer Reversed by Treatment with Ascorbic Acid. Journal Of Clinical Investigation, 72. 1983.
Jones, J.F. Epstein-Barr virus: Probable cause of a broad range of infections. Consultant O 1986;71-81.
Jones, J.F. & Straus, S.E. Chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection. Ann Rev Med 1987;38:195-209.
Jones, J.F. Epstein-Barr virus. Med Facts, Natl Jewish Center; 6.
Niederman, J.C. Chronicity of Epstein Barr Virus Infection. Ann. Int. Med. 1985 Jan; 102(1): 119-21.
Niedobitek G et al., Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in infectious mononucleosis: virus latency, replication and phenotype of EBV-infected cells. J Pathol, 1997 Jun, 182:2, 151-9.
Nockels, C.F. Protective Effectives of Supplemental Vitamin E Against Infection. Federation Proceedings, 38 (1979).
Nutrition and Cataracts. Nutrition Reviews. 32. 1984.
Olson, Kanaan, Gersuk, Kelley, & Jones. Correlation between allergy and persistent Epstein-Barr virus infections in chronic- active Epstein-Barr virus-infected patients. J. Allergy Clin Immunol Aug 1986:308-14.
Rystedt, I. & Strannegard, I.L.; Strannegard, O. Increased serum levels of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus in adults with history of atopic dermatitis. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 1984:179-83.
Seligman, J., Abramson, P., Shapiro, D., Gosnell, M. & Hager, M. Malaise of the '80s: The puzzling and debilitating Epstein-Barr virus. Newsweek 27 1986:105-6.
Sheppard, S. A. et al: Gamma Globulin for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome., Cortlandt Forum, June 1990;57:28-16.
Strannegard, I.L. & Strannegard, O. Epstein-Barr virus in children with atopic disease. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 1981:314-9.
Swanink CM et al., Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the chronic fatigue syndrome: normal virus load in blood and normal immunologic reactivity in the EBV regression assay. Clin Infect Dis, 1995 May, 20:5, 1390-2.
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