Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of a number of viruses that are herpes viruses. While the term herpes usually is considered to be a condition, caused by sexual contact, sexually transmitted herpes is only one of many herpes type viruses. Other herpes viruses can cause chicken pox, or roseola, a common and mild illness in young children.

EBV is caused by herpes virus 4 and is most frequently recognized as the virus responsible for mononucleosis. However, contraction of EBV does not always mean one will get mononucleosis. In fact, EBV can sit dormant in the body for years, and suddenly flare up into mono in times of extreme mental or physical stress. Cases of mono most frequently occur in young adults.

EBV contracted by children can result in mild flu-like symptoms for a few days. Some children will have full-blown mono, but many will never develop the symptoms of mono. EBV is extremely prevalent. Most people show exposure to the virus by the time they reach adulthood.

EBV is now the common explanation for chronic fatigue syndrome, which results in persistent feelings of fatigue. This may seriously impact people’s lives in that they may suddenly be too exhausted to pursue their normally vigorous schedule. The relationship of EBV to chronic fatigue is not clearly understood, since most people have been exposed to the virus and do not develop chronic fatigue. In fact the actions of EBV cannot always be explained. Even with fairly technical understanding of the virus, there are no proven explanations for why some people develop mono or chronic fatigue upon exposure, while others never develop symptoms.

In addition to resulting in mono and chronic fatigue, EBV may also be indicated in certain forms of cancer. EBV is frequently detected in those who have a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, called Burkitt’s lymphoma. EBV is also thought to be a causal factor of carcinomas in the nose and throat. These cancers are most commonly found in people living in third world countries. They may also be present in patients who are immunosuppressed, in the form of tumors found in the muscles surrounding organs.

Burkitt’s lymphoma actually responds extremely well to chemotherapy, and often can be resolved by such, though occasionally tumors along the jaw can recur. Those who have immunosuppressive illnesses like AIDs, or who have received transplants, may have a more difficult treatment and recovery. Chemotherapy to treat such tumors further suppresses the immune system. Fortunately, these tumors are relatively rare.