A review of Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients with immunodeficiency disorders

Am J Med Sci. 2000 Jun;319(6):392-6. doi: 10.1097/00000441-200006000-00009.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of 8 known human herpesviruses, infects the vast majority of mankind and infections are generally subclinical. However, EBV infection has been associated with a spectrum of diseases, lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV-LPD) in particular, including malignant lymphoma. EBV-LPD are frequently observed in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies. The incidence of EBV-LPD is on the rise, partly because of increasing numbers and success of hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplants and partly because many patients with immunodeficiencies, both primary and secondary, including AIDS, live longer, with improvements in supportive care. Herein, a spectrum of EBV-associated diseases in patients with immunodeficiency are summarized and discussed mainly focusing on their pathogenetic mechanism(s).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia / complications
  • Chediak-Higashi Syndrome / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / complications*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / complications
  • Organ Transplantation
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome / complications

Substances

  • Antibodies