One of the most common viruses on Earth, mistakenly referred to by many as the Einstein Barr virus in children, is actually a virus of the group of pathogens of herpes type IV infection and is called the Epstein-Barr virus (hereinafter referred to as EBV), which infects at least half of inhabitants of our planet.
The causative agent of the virus was discovered by a professor - researcher from the UK Michael Epstein in 1964, together with Yvonne Barr, whose last names and bears as a name.
Supportive therapy may include. Blood transfusion Prophylactic antibiotic therapy Thorough handwashing Taking special care of food preparation Hormones or medications Immunosuppressive therapy. Activities that could put children with aplastic leukemia at risk of infection or bleeding should be avoided. These actions include the following things.
Symptoms of a pathological condition in adults
Dental work Contacts Sports Travel at high altitudes. ... If the child has a relapse of aplastic anemia, additional treatment may be required. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is usually found when a child is taken to the doctor for signs or symptoms. A doctor may suspect a child may have lymphoma based on signs and symptoms, although testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Most often, children under five years of age are susceptible to infection, babies with weakened immunity are especially vulnerable. Infection can occur even in the womb, by airborne droplets or by household, as well as through blood transfusion. The source is people who carry the virus.
Symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus in children
Children with strong immunity carry the virus infection as a mild cold or even asymptomatic.
Medical history and physical examination
If any signs or symptoms indicate that the child may have lymphoma, the doctor will want to do a thorough clinical history to learn more about the symptoms and how long they have been present. The doctor may also ask if there is any history of possible risk factors, such as problems with the immune system.
During the physical exam, the doctor will likely focus on any enlarged lymph nodes or other areas of concern. For example, the abdomen will be palpable for signs of an enlarged spleen or liver. Infections usually cause swollen lymph nodes in children. Therefore, the doctor will determine if any inflamed lymph node has an infection in a part of the body.
Symptoms of the primary infection of a child with a weakened immune system after a one and a half month incubation period are characterized by the following signs:
- low-grade fever, long-term;
- swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck;
- headaches;
- troublesome sore throat;
- weakness and chronic fatigue;
- enlarged liver;
- an unexplained rash on the hands and other parts of the body;
- some problems in the activity of the intestines;
- loss of appetite and noticeable weight loss;
- manifestations of herpes in the oral cavity;
- enlargement of the spleen;
- chills;
- exhausting pain and discomfort in the muscles;
- anxiety and sleep disturbance.
Over time, each symptom, while being a harbinger, can cause corresponding diseases (tonsillitis, herpetic sore throat, lymphoma, infectious mononucleosis, exanthema, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, pneumonia, and others).
Since infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes, this is often the first thing doctors look for. For this reason, sometimes the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a child may be delayed. Usually, the presence of enlarged lymph nodes in children is of little interest if they are not too large. Even in these cases, the child is usually kept under close supervision for a while or given a course of antibiotics first to see if the size of the lymph nodes decreases. If the size does not decrease, additional tests are done, usually a biopsy to remove the inflamed lymph node.
The insidiousness of EBV is manifested in the complexity of its timely diagnosis, since it manifests itself in different ways and is often mistaken even by doctors for other diseases. Examinations (biochemistry, blood tests, determination of the titer of antibodies to the virus, DNA diagnostics, PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serological tests) give an accurate picture if the child has a herpesvirus type IV in the body.
The symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are
However, a biopsy may be required right away if the lymph nodes appear to be growing rapidly or the child's health is deteriorating. A doctor cannot diagnose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a child based solely on symptoms or physical examination. Most non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can be caused more often by other non-cancer related problems, such as infections. However, they can also be caused by other types of cancer. If a child has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, it is important to identify the type, as each type requires procedures that are slightly different.
Treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus in children
If you suspect a virus, you should not neglect the doctor's recommendations to be examined, since EBV, having penetrated the body, spreads along with the blood to all tissues and organs. It is very dangerous for children with congenital immunodeficiency, since many diseases provoked by the virus, and their complications, become deadly.
Types of biopsies used to diagnose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
For these reasons, an accurate diagnosis is necessary, and the only way to do this is to remove part or all of the abnormal lymph node for microscopic examination and other laboratory tests. There are several types of biopsies. Doctors decide what to use according to each situation. The goal is to obtain a sample large enough to make an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible, with the least possible side effects.
If the child has strong immunity, the disease goes away without consequences by itself, and the child acquires immunity and relapse does not occur.
With an active, pronounced form of infection, universal and sufficient effective method treatment at the moment does not exist due to insufficient study of the virus, due to the variety of its manifestations. They treat children in the infectious diseases department of the hospital using antibiotics, antihistamines, detoxification drugs, antiviral agents... Such a complex therapy is able to neutralize the acute symptoms of the disease, and at the same time to cure the associated diseases that have arisen. It is almost impossible to get rid of the EBV virus completely. The result of treatment may be the acquisition of immunity, but the person remains forever the carrier of the virus.
Biopsy by removal or incision: If lymphoma is suspected, these are the types of biopsies that are usually performed. An exception may be large tumors in chest, in which case a needle biopsy may be used instead. In these procedures, a surgeon cuts through the skin to remove an entire lymph node or a small portion of a large tumor.
If the lymph node is near the surface of the skin, this is an operation that can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia. If the lymph node is inside the chest or abdomen, general anesthesia is usually used.
Apply and folk remedies, calming and strengthening effect. These are decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, mint, ginseng, which are drunk in small concentrations as tea during the day.
The preventive measure is to strengthen the child's immunity from infancy. There are many methods for achieving results. These include hardening, taking vitamins, building resistance to stressful situations, being active and moving.
This method almost always provides enough samples to make a diagnosis of the exact type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fossil acupuncture biopsy or needle biopsy: In an accurate needle aspiration biopsy, a doctor uses a very thin hollow needle attached to a syringe to extract a small amount of tissue from an enlarged lymph node or from a tumor mass. For a puncture biopsy, a thicker needle is used to remove a slightly larger piece of tissue.
If the enlarged lymph is close to the surface, the doctor may guide the needle while palpating the lymph node. If an enlarged lump or swelling is deep inside the body, the doctor may guide the needle during a CT or ultrasound examination. This can be especially important in the case of tumors in the chest, as general anesthesia can sometimes be dangerous for children. It is also helpful when the lymphoma is found in other locations outside the lymph nodes, such as in the bones.
Einstein-Barr virus: causes, symptoms and treatment
September 20, 2013
One of the most widespread viruses on the planet today is the Epstein-Barr virus. According to various sources, antibodies indicating a meeting with him are found in 80-90% of adults, although the first contact usually occurs already in kindergarten. Once in the human body, the Einstein-Barr virus may not manifest itself in any way at all or lead to infectious mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome. Its danger also lies in the ability to provoke chronic processes in almost any organs, including the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, as well as the ability to cause lymphogranulomatosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal cancer.
In children, needle biopsies can often be performed using local anesthesia to numb the area, along with sedation to make the child feel sleepy. Less commonly, general anesthesia is needed. The main disadvantage of needle biopsy is that in some cases the needle may not collect enough sample to make a definite diagnosis. Most doctors do not take a needle biopsy if they strongly suspect lymphoma. But if a doctor suspects an infection is causing the swollen lymph nodes, a needle biopsy may be the first type of biopsy.
In addition to serious immune diseases (such as AIDS), the Einstein-Barr virus is sometimes fatal. You can get it from an already infected person, in particular, through:
- saliva;
- blood;
- household items;
- intimate contacts;
- air (by airborne droplets).
As mentioned earlier, carriers may not realize for a long time that the Einstein-Barr virus is present in their blood. Symptoms are clear with the initial infection. Actually, then a disease called infectious mononucleosis occurs. It is characterized by:
A preliminary biopsy may be required to diagnose and classify lymphoma, even after a biopsy with water. Once lymphoma is diagnosed, needle biopsies are sometimes used to examine areas in other parts of the body that may indicate that the lymphoma has spread or that it has come back after treatment.
The following types of biopsies are usually not done to diagnose lymphoma, but can be done to help determine the extent of spread if lymphoma has already been diagnosed. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: These tests help determine if lymphomas have reached the bone marrow. The two tests are usually run at the same time. Biopsy specimens are usually taken from the back of the pelvic bones, although in some cases they may be taken from the front of the thigh or other bones.
Such symptoms are typical for tonsillitis, and therefore doctors cannot always establish the correct diagnosis. After an acute period, it is possible full recovery, which happens in isolated cases, passive carrying of the virus (without any signs) or chronic mononucleosis (active existence of the infection). In the latter case, the patient complains about:
In bone marrow aspiration, the skin covering the thigh and the surface of the bone is numb with a local anesthetic. In most cases, children will be given other medications to numb them or some kind of general anesthetic to keep them asleep during the biopsy. A thin, hollow needle is then inserted into the bone and a syringe is used to aspirate a small amount of fluid from the bone marrow.
A bone marrow biopsy is usually done immediately after aspiration. A small piece of bone and bone marrow is removed with a slightly larger needle inserted into the bone. Once the biopsy is done, pressure will be applied to the site to help stop the bleeding.
- joint pain;
- sweating;
- constant fatigue;
- frequent infectious and fungal diseases;
- subfebrile condition;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- problems from the nervous system, in particular, dizziness, insomnia, impairment of attention and memory, etc.
In order to identify the Einstein-Barr virus in children, a number of laboratory tests are needed. So, first of all, you need to pass a general blood test. For carriers of the virus, an increase in lymphocytes is characteristic. You also need to conduct a study of the immune system, in particular, to establish the level of immunoglobulins. Information about the activity of the virus can be obtained through a blood test for antibodies. If they are found to the EBV IgM antigen, we can talk about the acute phase of the disease, that is, there is a primary infection or there is a chronic form of mononucleosis during an exacerbation. 
Lumbar puncture. This test is used to detect lymphoma cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. For this test, the doctor will first numb an area in the lower back near the spine. The doctor will usually also give the baby medicine to sleep during the procedure. A small hollow needle is then inserted between the bones of the spinal cord to draw out some fluid.
Pleural or peritoneal fluid samples: If lymphoma spreads to the thin membranes that line the inside of the chest and abdomen, it can cause fluid to build up. Pleural fluid or peritoneal fluid can be removed with hollow needles that are inserted through the skin in the chest or abdomen.
Antibodies of the same class EBNA IgG indicate a meeting with a virus in the past, or a chronic passive form. They remain in the blood of a person for the rest of their life, but are not an indication for treatment. To establish where the virus is contained (blood, urine, saliva), DNA diagnostics will help.
It is worth treating the Einstein-Barr virus when it is in active form. First of all, the patient is prescribed interferon-alpha drugs. In addition, abnormal nucleotides are used in complex treatment. It can be ganciclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. A course of treatment with immunoglobulins is also offered. If the Einstein-Barr virus is in a passive state, then in drug treatment not necessary. Folk remedies will help to raise immunity and fight the virus. So, horseradish, garlic, as well as birch buds, rose hips, linden leaves, calendula, thyme, sage, coltsfoot, cause a good antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.
Before the procedure, the doctor uses a local anesthetic to numb the skin and may make other medications drowsy or sleepy during the procedure. The fluid is then removed and examined under a microscope to determine if lymphoma is present. The procedure used to remove fluid from the chest is called thoracic flow. When it is used to remove fluid inside the abdominal cavity, it is called paracentesis.
Laboratory testing of biopsy specimens for the diagnosis and classification of lymphoma
A pathologist, who is a physician with special training in laboratory tests to identify cancer cells, examines all biopsies and fluid samples using a microscope. The doctor examines the size and shape of the cells, as well as how they are grouped. This can reveal not only whether a child has lymphoma, but what type of lymphoma they have. Because it can be difficult to diagnose lymphoma, it is helpful for a pathologist to specialize in blood disorders.
Epstein-Barr virus in children. Symptoms, treatment
EBV - Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the group of herpes pathogens viral infections... It is usually localized in B-lymphocytes and on the mucous epithelium of the upper respiratory tract... The spread of the virus is widespread.
Epstein-Barr virus. Sources of infection.
Infection with a viral infection most often occurs in the early childhood... That is why almost the entire adult population has antibodies to EBV.
Sometimes pathologists can indicate the type of lymphoma a child has when looking at the cells, but other types of laboratory tests are usually required to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, a portion of the biopsy sample is treated with special antibodies that adhere to specific molecules on the cell surface. These antibodies cause color changes that can be observed under a microscope. This test can help distinguish different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from each other and from other diseases.
Similar to immunohistochemistry, this test analyzes certain substances on the outer surface of cells to help identify the type of cells that they are. However, this test analyzes many more cells than immunohistochemistry. For this test, a sample of cells is treated with special antibodies that adhere to cells only if these substances are on their surface. The cells are then passed in front of the laser beam. If antibodies are attached to cells, a laser beam causes them to reflect light, and this can be measured and analyzed using a computer.
The source of infection are patients with an acute or chronic form of the disease. Young children are most often infected with this so-called “kissing disease” from their parents.
Symptoms of Epstein-Barr Virus Disease in Children
In children with normal immunity, the disease occurs in the form of a mild cold or even without pronounced symptoms at all.
However, if the immune system is weakened, mononucleosis can develop if infected with the virus. The incubation period of the disease lasts from four days to two weeks. Then a sore throat appears, and the temperature rises to 38 - 40 degrees, which needs to be knocked down, by the way, many do not know What Temperature Should a Child Be Knocked Down? Lymph nodes are also greatly enlarged, especially in the neck. The disease proceeds with all the signs of angina, skin rashes also occur. Diagnosis of mononucleosis is made by clinical analysis blood in the event that the leukocyte formula contains atypical cells - mononuclear cells. In infectious mononucleosis, the infection penetrates the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, there is a swelling of the pharynx and shortness of breath. After the penetration of the Epstein-Barr virus into the blood, it spreads to all organs and tissues of the body.
When EBV penetrates into B-lymphocytes, proliferation of these cells occurs. This is what provokes an increase in palatine tonsils and the occurrence of systemic lymphopathy.
The tonsils are affected already in the first days of the disease. In this case, there is a picture of catarrhal tonsillitis or lacunar tonsillitis. Plaques appear on the tonsils, which, after removal, do not cause bleeding. Sometimes sick children have an unpleasant putrid odor from the mouth.
Very often, infectious mononucleosis in children is characterized by hepatolienal syndrome. In this case, there is a thickening and enlargement of the liver and spleen.
In 5 - 7% of children, a rash develops on the body during the course of the disease, but most often it is the result of taking antibiotic drugs of the aminopenicillin group. The rash is presented in the form of large and small papules, sometimes with a hemorrhagic component. There is no itching. After the rash has passed, pigmentation remains on the skin.
Complications caused by infectious mononucleosis in children are very rare. In this case, there are cases of rupture of the spleen, bleeding and severe stomach pain. In this case, the child needs urgent surgery.
Treatment of the disease caused by the Epstein-Bar virus in children.
Most often, the disease subsides within two to three months, without the need for specific treatment.
Treatment of the disease is prescribed in a complex, and it depends on the severity of the symptoms. First of all, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, which includes the use of interferon or viferon (suppositories).
With etiotropic therapy, acyclovir is used, which disrupts the synthesis of viral DNA.
In severe cases infectious mononucleosis glucocorticosteroids are prescribed. Antibiotics for treatment this disease contraindicated. They are assigned to children only in case of bacterial infection.
Immunocorrective therapy, as a poorly studied tactic in the treatment of children suffering from infectious mononucleosis, is advisory in nature, since it has not yet been fully studied. At the same time, it is recommended to routinely monitor the child's immunological parameters every three months throughout the year.
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Sources: http://www.fun4child.ru/8637-virus-eynshteyn-barra-u-detey-simptomy-i-lechenie.html, http://fb.ru/article/100145/virus-eynshteyna-barra- prichinyi-vozniknoveniya-simptomyi-i-lechenie, http://zhenskiy-sait.ru/zdorove/virus-epshtejna-barra-u-detej-simptomy-lechenie.html
The Epstein-Barr virus is named after its discoverers, the English doctors Epstein and Barr, who discovered it in 1964. Infection, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is called "infectious mononucleosis". In young children, infection with this virus is often not noticed, as it proceeds quite easily, however, at an older age, the virus leads to a typical picture of infectious mononucleosis, literally "knocking down" the patient. This disease can occur at any age, but most often it occurs in children aged 4 to 15 years.
Epstein-Barr virus in children: symptoms
The incubation period lasts from 4 to 8 weeks. It starts with symptoms typical of viral infections. Weakness, joint pain, headache, decreased appetite, chills. After 2-3 days, severe pharyngitis develops, which can last a week, the temperature rises to 39-40 ° C, the child's lymph nodes increase. Some children complain of abdominal pain associated with an enlarged liver and spleen. A certain number of patients develop a rash similar to that of scarlet fever.
Symptoms usually last for about two weeks, but weakness and general intoxication of the body can last for several months.
Treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus in children
- With this disease, bed rest is shown, a minimum of physical activity.
- Treatment is symptomatic as in viral diseases.
- It is advisable to consume as much warm liquid as possible. The baby's food should be low in calories and easily digestible. High temperature it is necessary to lower the antipyretic paracetamol-based, age-appropriate.
- Even after the acute phase of the disease has passed, after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, it is necessary to keep the child from physical activity for at least four weeks.
Why is the Epstein-Barr virus dangerous?
Serious complications are rare, but you should be aware of them. Possibly secondary bacterial complication, as well as damage to the central nervous system. In the blood, a decrease in the number of blood elements such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets can be detected. As a result of the destruction of red blood cells by antibodies, anemia can develop.
A very rare, but life-threatening complication of a child is a ruptured spleen.
Epstein-Barr virus: consequences
The prognosis for children with the Epstein-Barr virus is positive. Acute symptoms resolve within 2-3 weeks. Only in 3% of patients this period is longer.
At the same time, weakness and painful condition can last from one to several months.
Epstein-Barr Virus Prevention
Unfortunately, there are no special measures that can help you and your child prevent infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. However, the less often you visit public places, places of large crowds, the more likely it is that this disease will bypass your home. Remember that the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when the carrier sneezes or coughs, and also through kissing.