Epstein-Barr virus is common in human beings. It is a member of the herpes virus family and can remain dormant in the body. If it becomes active, then it can create various health problems such as mononucleosis, which is better known as the kissing disease.
Anyone who carries this virus does so for the rest of their lives. In its dormant form, EBV does not cause health issues. However, an active EBV infection has been linked to a number of autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it from invading bacteria and viruses.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly known as lupus, is a complicated autoimmune disease that negatively affects multiple organ systems. The symptoms of this disease include muscle and joint pain, chest pain, fever, mouth sores, and sunlight sensitivity.
Research indicates a potential connection between EBV and the development of lupus. Studies have shown elevated EBV antibody levels in individuals with this condition, suggesting a possible role of the virus in triggering an autoimmune response in some individuals.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath, the protective covering found on the nerves throughout the body.
Symptoms are numerous and can be severe, leading to loss of limb function. MS is the main cause of disability in young adults. Some sufferers become wheelchair-bound within a few years of developing MS, especially if they have the progressive form of this disease.
Research suggests a potential link between EBV infection and increased MS risk. Elevated levels of EBV antibodies have again been observed in individuals with MS, suggesting a connection between the virus and the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint inflammation, swelling, and stiffness; it is also accompanied by chronic pain. While the exact cause remains elusive, EBV has been investigated as a possible trigger.
Some studies suggest that the virus could stimulate an immune response that produces autoantibodies targeting joint tissues. It is this very response that leads to damage within the joints caused by chronic inflammation.
Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, which involve the immune system damaging the thyroid gland, have also been associated with EBV.
Since the thyroid secretes hormones that all the cells in the body need for normal function, any disturbances in the functioning of this gland can cause numerous symptoms, including tiredness and even eye problems.
Sjögren’s syndrome primarily involves the salivary and tear glands, leading to dryness in the mouth and eyes. This condition can also cause dry skin, joint pain, and rashes.
It usually affects more women than men and is considered to be a long-term condition, but there are treatments available. EBV has been implicated in the development of Sjögren’s syndrome due to its ability to infect and activate B cells, which play a role in the immune response and autoimmune processes.
Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, all of which involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and rectal bleeding are just some of the symptoms experienced by those suffering from IBD.
There is no cure for IBD, but treatments such as steroids and special diets can help alleviate some of the symptoms. If the condition is severe, then surgery to remove the affected part of the bowel can be performed. This is usually done if all other treatments fail.
EBV has been thought of as a potential trigger of this disease as it is thought that the replication of the virus creates a mucosal immune response in the digestive tract, which leads to chronic inflammation.