When in contact with the outside world, the probability of catching some kind of bacteria is very high, but this does not necessarily immediately cause the development of the disease. Some microorganisms are very rare, others enter the body of almost every person.

The virus is easy to catch in normal situations

The second is the Epstein-Barr virus, it is considered one of the most common on the planet. This virus belongs to the herpetic group, so it is often called type 4 herpes. This microorganism was discovered in 1964 by scientists from the UK, whose names it was named after.. Why is it important to know about this virus? The thing is that infection often occurs before the age of 15 and can cause the development of infectious mononucleosis, but if the virus is activated already in adulthood, this leads to serious disturbances in the body. It is important to recognize and deal with the problem in time - after the illness, the child develops immunity, and the virus is no longer afraid of him.

Symptoms and ways of getting the virus

Another name for the disease is “kissing disease”, since the pathogen can be transmitted by parents to children through kissing.

The Epstein-Barr virus is very specific: once it enters the body, it can stay there for many years without giving the slightest sign of its presence - its containment occurs due to the body's immune defenses. As soon as, for one reason or another, the immune system weakens, the child becomes ill.

Usually, the infection spreads through carriers, or rather, through their saliva. That is why the disease is often called the "kissing disease" - the pathogen is transmitted to the child through frequent parental kisses.

The most common ways for the microorganism to enter (besides kissing) are the use of common hygiene products, the same dishes or toys (especially those that have been in the mouth of other children). There are cases when infection occurred at the stage of intrauterine development.

High fever is a symptom of the virus

The incubation period can last from one to two months, and the first manifestations are of a general nature, characteristic of all viral infections:

• Initially, weakness in the body, aches appear, appetite worsens significantly;
• after a few days, there is a strong increase in temperature (up to 40 degrees), which is accompanied by an increase in the size of the cervical lymph nodes;
• often there are pain in the liver;
• in some situations, a rash appears all over the body (1 case out of 10).

Gradually, the presence of the virus in the body leads to the emergence of other diseases. The most common manifestation of the Epstein-Barr virus in children is infectious mononucleosis, but other ailments may appear (herpetic sore throat, tonsillitis).

Provoked infectious mononucleosis has specific symptomatic manifestations. So, the temperature is kept at a fairly high level for a long period of time (from 2 weeks to a month).

Symptoms of mononucleosis also include: general weakness, headache, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, pain in the joints. Without proper treatment, the risk of complications from the lungs increases.

It is important to know that in infants such an ailment develops extremely rarely, since the baby protects the mother's immunity, which is transmitted with milk. If symptoms of the disease are detected, it is necessary to urgently go to the hospital - timely treatment will not only improve the general condition, but also significantly reduce the risk of dangerous complications. In some situations, outpatient treatment is required.

Dangerous consequences of virus activity

The type of complications is related to what kind of disease was provoked by the activity of the virus, while the incidence of complications is low, but the likelihood still exists. For example, the possible consequences of advanced infectious mononucleosis include:

• damage to the organs of the central nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis). Symptoms of this condition usually appear after the first two weeks of illness (headache, psychosis, even paralysis of the facial nerves is possible);
• rupture of the spleen (the probability of such a complication is 0.5%, and the risk is higher in males). Characteristic manifestations: acute pain in the abdomen, disturbance in hemodynamic processes;
• due to excessive tissue growth in the tonsils, the disease can be complicated by airway obstruction;
• there is a low probability of developing myocarditis, vasculitis, hepatitis and pericarditis.

How to treat the Epstein-Barr virus in a child?

The first step is to diagnose

When contacting the hospital, diagnostic procedures are initially carried out to establish the causative agent of the disease - a blood test is enough for this. As soon as the exact diagnosis is clarified, active treatment begins, depending on the stage of neglect of the disease. So, if the disease occurs in an acute form, then the first steps will be aimed at reducing the intensity of symptoms and transferring it to a milder form. The standard complex of drugs: antiviral agents and agents to strengthen the immune system. In addition, symptomatic treatment is also prescribed, namely drugs to lower the temperature, gargle to reduce pain when swallowing, etc.

When the disease has already acquired a chronic form, the treatment becomes much more complicated - in addition to medications, it is no longer possible to do without a set of physical exercises and a special diet. Correction of nutrition in such a situation is aimed at reducing the load on the liver and increasing the level of immune protection through the use of healthy foods.

If the activity of the virus in the child's body took place in a mild or asymptomatic form, then the reason for contacting the doctors will be the disease that developed against this background. So, if a microorganism provoked infectious mononucleosis, then the main efforts will be directed to eliminating this disease.

The prognosis in the treatment of children is positive, the symptoms usually subside completely within three weeks. Despite the medical procedures, general weakness and poor health remain for some time (this period can drag on for several months).

Folk methods of treatment

Since the opinions of experts on the correct approach to the treatment of the disease do not coincide, parents often have doubts about traditional treatment - this becomes the impetus for the use of traditional medicine. In spite of everything, before using any remedy, it is better to consult with your doctor and make sure that independent actions will not harm the child.

So, herbal medicine is widely used to treat the Epstein-Barr virus. It is believed that the following recipes will help to cope with the problem:

• chamomile, calendula flowers, coltsfoot, mint and duma root can be brewed and given to a child instead of tea no more than three times a day. These herbs contain a huge amount of useful substances that improve the functioning of the immune system, and also have a calming effect necessary during illness;
• regular consumption of green tea with additives (honey and lemon) will be useful. When using such a tool, you need to remember about the likelihood of an allergic reaction;
• a decoction of chamomile, immortelle, yarrow and centaury;
• ginseng tincture (for a child, the recommended dose is up to 10 drops);
• inhalations with eucalyptus or sage;
• sore throat can be gently lubricated with essential oils (fir, juniper or sage).

The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common among humans. According to American researchers, half of children under the age of 5 and up to 90% of adults are infected with it. The immune system is able to suppress the infection, and a pronounced clinical picture is observed only with a decrease in the immune status.

About the pathogen

The virus belongs to the herpesvirus family, a synonym is herpesvirus type 4. The causative agent was discovered in 1964 by the English virologist Professor Epstein and his assistant I. Barr, after whom it was named.

The genome is represented by a double-stranded DNA molecule; virus replication occurs in B-lymphocytes, brain cells. It does not cause cell death, but activates their division. In the structure of the pathogen, there are various antigen proteins that are synthesized in a certain sequence throughout the existence of the viral unit:

• capsid;
• nuclear;
• early;
• membrane.

Each of them stimulates the production of certain antibodies.

Mechanism of infection

Sources of infection are:

• sick - at the end of the incubation period;
• patients with an acute form and within 6 months after infection;
• virus carriers.

Children most often come into contact with the virus after the first year of life, when they begin to actively explore the environment. The pathogen can be transmitted in a variety of ways.

1. Contact-household - through kisses, when using a common drinking glass, washcloths, towels.
2. Airborne droplets - when sneezing, talking, when the virus from microscopic droplets of saliva from the respiratory tract enters the external environment.
3. Transmissible - through blood, its fresh traces on surgical instruments, non-sterile syringes, during transplantation of organs and bone marrow.
4. Transplacental - from an infected mother to a child.
5. Alimentary - through seeded food and water.

The first two routes of infection are more common and have epidemiological significance.

After the pathogen enters the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, it is introduced into the salivary glands and tonsils. Here it intensively multiplies, increases the proliferation of B-lymphocytes and penetrates into the blood through the capillaries. So it spreads throughout the body.

An increased number of affected B-lymphocytes leads to a response increase in T-lymphocytes, which try to destroy the cells affected by the virus. If the immune response is insufficient, chronic EBV infection develops.

But in most cases, the immune response to an acute infection leads to the production of specific antibodies that keep the virus inside the cells for many years.

Symptoms and manifestations of a viral infection

The incubation period of the Epstein-Barr virus in infected children lasts 1-2 months. Babies under 3 years of age may not show symptoms. In others, the disease manifests itself in the form of infectious mononucleosis. Symptoms of the disease appear gradually. At an early stage, weakness, increased fatigue, the child becomes irritable.

The temperature rises to 39-40 degrees, symptoms of intoxication appear. Children refuse to eat. The reason is the symptoms of pharyngitis. Worried about sore throat, hyperemia and swelling of the tonsils. The lymph nodes are enlarged. First, an increase in the submandibular, cervical groups becomes noticeable, then painful nodules can be found throughout the body: in the armpits, in the groin.

A rash appears. The structure resembles a rash with scarlet fever, is localized throughout the body, the spots are small and tend to merge into one. Skin manifestations are aggravated when trying to treat antibiotics of the penicillin series (Amoxicillin, Augmentin).

Abdominal pain appears when the liver is affected by a virus. It increases, overstretching of the Glisson capsule occurs and dull aching pain occurs in the hypochondrium. The spleen also increases, which can be accompanied by a dangerous complication - its rupture even with a slight injury. In severe cases, hepatic jaundice develops.

Consequences of infection and complications

After an acute period of illness, three options for resolution are possible:

1. Complete elimination of the virus from the body is extremely rare.
2. Asymptomatic carriage, the virus is detected only by laboratory methods, there are no clinical signs of the disease.
3. Chronic infection with periods of remission and exacerbation, various manifestations.

Infectious mononucleosis is sometimes complicated by various disease states:

• accession of a secondary microbial infection, up to the development of sepsis;
• rupture of the spleen;
• anemia;
• pneumonia;
• hepatitis;
• meningitis;
• blood clotting disorder.

With asymptomatic carriage, the consequences of virus infection in a child can manifest themselves at an older age in the form of autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, and oncological diseases.

Diagnostics

The clinical picture of a viral infection is confirmed by laboratory data indicating infectious mononucleosis.

The diagnostic criteria are three main indicators:

• pronounced lymphocytosis - an increase in the number of lymphocytes in the general blood test;
• at least 10% of atypical cells - mononuclear cells are present in the blood;
• in the serological analysis, antibodies to various components of the virus are determined.

In addition, in the blood test, an increase in ESR, leukocytosis is observed. In the biochemical analysis, bilirubin, liver enzymes increase: ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase. These changes in liver function may persist for up to 3 months.

Serological methods make it possible to detect IgM in the blood already in the incubation period - signs of an acute infection. After the symptoms disappear, they cease to be determined. Immunoglobulins of other classes take their place: IgG to the nuclear or capsid antigen, which are determined long after the infection.

PCR for the diagnosis of mononucleosis is of little value. This reaction determines the presence of the DNA of the pathogen in the blood, saliva, swabs from the nasopharynx. The genetic material will be determined even in the case of carriage of the virus. Sometimes it is done as a control of getting rid of the disease. But most often this method is necessary for immunodeficiency states, suspicion of a tumor caused by EBV.

Treatment Methods

Infectious mononucleosis does not require specific treatment in childhood. But it is necessary to treat the acute form of the disease in a hospital setting. This will reduce the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and the development of complications.

At the time of illness, it is important to observe bed rest, limit physical activity. Due to the risk of rupture of the spleen, some doctors recommend stopping physical education and sports for 2 months after recovery.

Therapy in the acute period is symptomatic, aimed at reducing unpleasant manifestations and transferring the disease to a latent phase.

To reduce inflammatory processes, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, as well as their trade analogues (Efferalgan, Panadol, Cefekon, Ibuklin), are allowed as antipyretics in children under 12 years of age. It is advisable for young children to use antipyretics in the form of rectal suppositories. A sore throat can cause vomiting while taking the drug by mouth.

Puffiness and nasal congestion are treated with vasoconstrictor drugs. In rare cases, narrowing of the airways requires the appointment of glucocorticoids (Prednisolone).

To prevent the attachment of a bacterial infection, rinsing with antiseptics is carried out: soda solution, Chlorhexidine, Furacilin. Folk remedies for rinsing - a decoction of chamomile, calendula - will help reduce inflammation.

It is important to normalize the daily routine, provide enough time for sleep and rest. It is useful to walk in the fresh air, often ventilate the room where the patient is.

Given the defeat of the liver virus, proper nutrition is necessary for the period of illness. Food should be balanced in composition. It is recommended to limit or completely eliminate foods with excess salt, fried foods rich in preservatives and dyes, very sweet, with an abundance of seasonings. Potentially allergenic foods are also excluded: citrus fruits, chocolate, nuts, seafood, red fruits, honey. They eat small portions 4-5 times a day.

It is almost impossible to completely cure EBV. The human body itself is able to restrain the reproduction of the virus in a good state of immunity. Therefore, it is important to maintain a general level of health, get enough rest, eat right at any time in life.

Children are often exposed to viral diseases. And if every parent knows everything thoroughly about most of them, then one name of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes many bewilderment and fear .

Once in the body, the virus is securely fixed on the mucous membranes, begins to attack immune cells and provokes the development of mononucleosis.

In today's article, we will find out the symptoms and signs of the disease in children, consider the methods of treatment and possible complications.

What you need to know about the Epstein-Barr virus

The most common virus is the Epstein-Barr virus, which can affect young children.

The Epstein-Barr virus is a herpes infection.

Statistically, practically 90% of the population the planet has encountered it at least once. In most people, mononucleosis goes unnoticed or manifests itself in a mild form. But there are those for whom the Epstein-Barr virus becomes deadly, causing serious complications.

How the virus works

1. After infection, the virus enters the mucous membranes (oral cavity, nasopharynx, salivary glands).
2. From this time, its active reproduction begins. This process can take up to 20 days.
3. Then the virus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, affecting primarily the lymph nodes.

If the immunity of the child is strong, the disease will proceed in a mild form. Many professionals may confuse mononucleosis with a cold or flu.

Epstein-Barr virus can be confused with other diseases, so parents need to be especially vigilant!

If the baby is painful, there are chronic ailments, then high risk of complications. In this case, the nervous system and the main internal organs are affected ( heart, liver, spleen ).

It is important! Until recently, little was known about the virus. After a series of studies, scientists have proven that the virus can provoke cancer. This happens if mononucleosis has a chronic, sluggish form. That is why it is so important to know the symptoms and be able to detect the disease in time in children.

Ways of infection

The Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted in many ways. Here are the main ones:

How can you protect a child? It is important to increase the immune system of the crumbs. To do this, walk more often in the fresh air, eat vegetables, fruits, berries, do not forget to take vitamins.

Risk group

There are children who are at risk. Among them:

• babies up to a year . During this period, the crumbs learn about the world around them and actively try everything. by the teeth»;
• children from 3 to 7 years old who visit Kindergarten. At this time, the child is faced with many viruses. Most likely, VEB cannot be avoided either;
• children with chronic diseases who have significantly weakened immunity;
• premature babies;
• children with HIV.

Advice! If your baby belongs to at least one of the above categories, you need to carefully monitor his health. Up to a year, it is mandatory to visit a pediatrician monthly. After a year, take a detailed blood test once a quarter.

Symptoms

The insidiousness of the disease is that the symptoms of mononucleosis look rather blurry. Even experts can confuse it with other diseases.

Doctors distinguish the following signs of EBV:

1. The kid is capricious, whiny, often gets tired. In this case, this condition is observed for several weeks or even months. Adults should remember that such behavior is not typical for a crumb.

   One of the brightest manifestations of the disease in a baby is frequent crying.

2. Enlarged lymph nodes. As a rule, the virus affects the submandibular and ear lymph nodes. They become inflamed, increase in size, start to hurt, the skin becomes red, swollen.

   Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a baby is an alarming sign for parents!

3. Complete lack of appetite. In addition, the baby may experience constipation or diarrhea.
4. small rash all over the body.

   A rash in a child may appear as a result of an inflammatory process.

5. Increased body temperature. Sometimes fever can end in loss of consciousness. It is worth noting that the Epstein-Barr virus does not respond well to paracetamol and ibuprofen. The temperature in many cases does not fall below 37.5 degrees.
6. Reddening of the tonsils, sore throat. At the same time, there is no plaque or growths on the tonsils.

   The development of the disease may be accompanied by angina.

7. Very heavy sweating, especially at night.
8. Pain in the stomach. If you conduct an ultrasound, you can find a noticeable increase in the spleen or liver.
9. Change in skin tone. The child becomes yellow, often doctors confuse this symptom with jaundice or hepatitis.

It is important! As you can see, it is quite difficult to make an accurate diagnosis based on the available symptoms. That's why need to carry out a complete diagnosis of the body and take a series of tests.

Many experts assure that the virus is best transferred in childhood. In this case, the negative impact on the internal organs is minimal (given that the child has strong immunity).

Diagnostics

For this, a number of surveys and analyzes are offered:

1. Complete blood count (from a finger) . The doctor should be alerted by elevated levels of ESR, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, leukocytes and mononuclear cells.
2. Biochemistry of blood (from a vein) . Enzymes and bilirubin will be increased.
3. Ultrasound of the liver, kidneys, spleen .
4. DNA diagnostics . The procedure is rather complicated and expensive. Test samples (saliva, sinus swabs, cerebrospinal fluid) are taken from the child. In the laboratory, experts detect the DNA of the virus.

Advice! If your child has symptoms of EBV, start with a blood test. This procedure can be done in any district clinic.

Treatment

There is no single treatment for EBV. The doctor prescribes drugs on an individual basis. If the disease is severe, hospitalization and the introduction of special droppers based on immunostimulants are necessary.

With a mild form, the following treatment regimen can be chosen:

1. Antipyretics . These can be drugs based on paracetamol and ibuprofen. If there is a strong fever, the child can put the Analdima candle. It includes analgin and diphenhydramine. Other antipyretic drugs (" Aspirin», « Nimuled», « Nimesil and others) are prohibited.

   Analdim is an effective drug that will help to cope with a fever.

2. Antiherpes drugs . Until recently, many pediatricians prescribed " Acyclovir". But studies have shown that it has a huge negative effect on the liver and kidneys. Modern experts offer a new generation tool - " Groprinosin". It is available as tablets (for adults) and syrup (for children).

   Gronoprinosin in the form of a syrup helps very little children to cope with the disease.

3. Antivirals . often used " Viferon". But the antiviral drug should be selected by the doctor based on the general condition of the patient.

   Viferon is one of the most modern antiviral drugs that can be used by children from an early age.

4. Sore throat remedies . It could be lollipops Dr. MOM», « Isla», « Septefril», « Pharyngosept". Children under one year old can be offered " Lizobakt". But it is also worth using sprays: " Miramistin». « Hexoral», « Ingalipt».

   Hexoral will help relieve discomfort and cure the child's throat.

It is important! Viruses are not treated with antibiotics. They are applicable only if the child has a complication and a bacterial infection has joined.

Possible Complications

What complications can occur if the disease develops into a chronic form:

• development of neoplasms;
• blood diseases;
• purulent otitis;
• hepatitis and other lesions of the liver and kidneys;
• pancreatitis;
• heart disease ( hypertension, myocardium, stroke).

Epstein-Barr virus affects 9 out of 10 children. The virus causes mononucleosis. In a mild form, the disease can be confused with the usual SARS, it proceeds quite quickly, without complications.

But if the virus is firmly established in the body, EBV will have sluggish, chronic

To prevent disease, children need to lead an active lifestyle and spend more time outdoors.

It is important to increase and strengthen the immune system of the crumbs.

Do not forget about hardening, take children to sports sections, develop it physically, spend more time in the fresh air, organize the correct composition and nutritional norms for the crumbs and the virus will bypass you.

Acute infections are common in young children. There are types of pathogens that cause them, which can cause serious damage to health. To date, one of the most dangerous diseases of this kind is the Epstein-Barr virus. Doctors from different countries of the world have been carefully studying its features and manifestations for several years.

What is a microorganism?

Modern medical science has achieved excellent results in its development. Infections that were fatal a few decades ago are completely curable today. However, some diseases still could not be dealt with. Among them is the Epstein-Barr virus.

It was discovered in the sixties of the last century and named after the scientists who first described it. The microorganism is classified as one of the types of herpes pathogens. At first glance, it does not seem so formidable. After all, the body's defenses eventually adapt to the presence of a microbe in the blood. However, such an infection can cause serious complications. Among the terrible consequences are cancerous tumors, inflammation of the membranes of the brain. Epstein-Barr virus is common in children.

Most often, this infection occurs at an early age.

How is the disease transmitted?

The pathogen is able to pass from one person to another through the following ways:

1. Through saliva (it contains the largest number of microbes) or with hugs, kisses.
2. During coughing, sneezing, talking, pathogens come to the surface.
3. Blood transfusion is another way of getting infected. This event is used by doctors in the event of a premature birth of a baby. Sometimes it is done when anemia is detected in a child.
4. Bone marrow transplantation. The operation is prescribed for cancerous tumors, low hemoglobin levels.

Epstein-Barr virus in children is a fairly common occurrence today. Half of the pupils of preschool institutions have already suffered it. Moreover, parents may not know that their sons or daughters have experienced a similar disease.

Who is most at risk of getting infected?

Mothers may not worry about the possibility of infection in children under the age of one. Why do doctors say this? The reason is that most babies are breastfed. And this substance improves the body's defenses. And if the mother has pathogens in her blood, the baby's immunity adapts to it. However, this does not mean that those who are fed with mixtures necessarily become victims of this disease.

Epstein-Barr virus in children from one to three years old is found quite often. This phenomenon is due to the fact that boys and girls often communicate with relatives. If an infection is present in the blood of an adult, it can be transmitted by kissing, talking, or hugging. In addition, babies at this age are characterized by increased curiosity and interest in all surrounding objects. They tend to take things, toys into their mouths. This greatly increases the risk of infection. Preschoolers often get sick after they start attending kindergarten.

In people of transitional age, hormonal changes occur. As a result of such restructuring, the body becomes weaker. Therefore, it is easier for viruses to attack teenagers than adults.

Signs of infection

What characterizes the Epstein-Barr virus, what does this diagnosis mean? When a microorganism enters the human blood, it does not manifest itself for some time. However, then the pathogen makes itself felt. The acute form of EBV is called mononucleosis. It is characterized by pronounced signs. With Epstein-Barr virus, symptoms in children include the following:

1. Strong weakness, fatigue, irritability, frequent crying. Parents cannot explain the reason for such a mood of a son or daughter.
2. Enlargement and soreness of the lymph glands. There is swelling in the neck area, behind the ears. Sometimes inflammation affects all parts of the patient's body.
3. Loss of interest in food. The child refuses even favorite treats.
4. Intestinal problems: flatulence, frequent, loose stools.
5. There is a rash on the body in the form of bubbles and dots of a bright red hue.
6. Unpleasant sensations in the nose, throat, inflammation of the tonsils. The child has difficulty breathing. The temperature rises to 38 degrees Celsius.
7. Pain in the abdomen. The liver and spleen increase in size.
8. In rare cases, the skin turns yellow.

The presence of such phenomena for one to two weeks requires seeking medical help. Only a doctor can confirm or deny that a child has the Epstein-Barr virus. To clarify the presence or absence of the disease, the patient is sent to several types of examinations.

How to identify a virus infection?

In order to do this, you need to go through several medical events, for example:

1. Blood test for the content of various types of cells. It allows you to find out whether the infection is acute or chronic.
2. Biochemistry research.
3. Examination to determine the level of lymphocytes.
4. An analysis that detects antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus in a child.

Infection control methods

An effective remedy to cope with the disease has not been found to date. Treatment is to improve the general condition of the patient. If the symptoms are pronounced, prescribe drugs that inhibit the activity of microorganisms that cause herpes. In severe cases, the child is in the hospital. Since the infection is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the nose and throat, as well as fever, the following remedies should be used to eliminate these signs:

1. Sprays, tablets, syrups that relieve sore throats. Rinses are recommended only for those children who tolerate this event well and know how to carry it out correctly.
2. Solutions containing sea salt, nasal drops. These remedies help stop the mucus secretion.
3. Drugs that lower the temperature.

If symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus are found in children, doctors do not advise the use of drugs that include penicillin. These drugs can cause a rash.

Medicinal herbs for illness

With the manifestations of the Epstein-Barr virus in children, you can fight with the help of medicinal plants. For example, do gargling with infusion of mint, sage and chamomile. A decoction of rose hips, a solution of lemon juice and water, a hot drink of currants and raspberries will help reduce the temperature and rid the body of harmful substances.

However, such methods should only be used in conjunction with the main treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Therefore, if you suspect this infection, it is not recommended to fight the disease on your own. You should show the child to the doctor as soon as possible.

Nutrition in the acute form of the current

With the Epstein-Barr virus, treatment in children also consists in observing the correct diet. Since the patient has a fever, the body's defenses are weakened, there is a loss of interest in food, food should be light, rich in vitamins, and well absorbed. The patient is recommended the following products:

1. Fresh vegetables and berries (sweet).
2. Skinny varieties of fish, steamed or boiled.
3. Lean beef, rabbit meat.
4. Buckwheat porridge, oatmeal.
5. Rusks.
6. Hard cheese, cottage cheese.
7. Eggs (no more than one per day).

Patients are not allowed to eat fatty foods. Desserts should also be limited.

Possible consequences

And although the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the blood of a child is recorded approximately within a month after the symptoms disappear, in most cases the disease is characterized by a good prognosis. However, with defects in the immune system, severe course and lack of timely medical care, complications can occur. These include the following states:

1. Inflammation of the meninges.
2. Lag in mental development.
3. Diseases of the inner ear, sinuses.
4. Cancers of the lymph glands and tonsils.
5. Anemia.
6. Inflammation of the liver.

The most severe consequence may be damage to the spleen. It occurs as a result of physical exertion during illness and requires urgent surgery.

How to prevent the development of infection?

It is not possible to protect your child from infection with this pathogen. But the sooner he gets sick, the better, since the body's defenses are strengthened and can withstand the attack of these microbes. Prevention consists in hardening by bathing in cool water, walking, taking vitamin supplements prescribed by a doctor, a healthy and balanced diet, and sports.

It is not recommended to give your child food containing dyes and preservatives. The occurrence of symptoms of diseases in a child requires immediate medical attention. If this infection is suspected, an analysis for the Epstein-Barr virus is performed. Parents need to be extremely careful. After all, many ailments have similar manifestations, and only doctors can accurately determine them. Another measure of prevention is the absence of stress in the child. You should also avoid crowded places during outbreaks of infections.

The Epstein-Barr virus, discovered in 1964 by scientists Michael Epstein and Yvonne Barr, belongs to the fourth type of herpesviruses - that is, it is a "relative" of cytomegalovirus and the well-known herpes simplex. The Epstein-Barr virus has been proven to be one of the most common human viruses, with most people becoming infected during childhood or adolescence. According to experts, currently about 50% of the adult population of the Earth is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. Unfortunately, this "popular" virus can cause serious disorders in the body. What do you need to know to resist infection?

A special "dirty" Epstein-Barr virus can be considered the fact that the primary infection, as a rule, has no clinical manifestations or looks like a common cold. Exposure to this virus usually occurs during childhood. The insidious infection can be transmitted in a variety of ways - airborne, contact-household, sexual, as well as by transfusion of infected blood or from mother to child. The latter route is the most typical in the early manifestations of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.

If a massive infection has occurred (especially with a weakened immune system), the child may develop a clinic of infectious mononucleosis - a disease that for a long time was attributed exclusively to childhood infections! After the child has been ill with infectious mononucleosis, the following options for the "behavior" of the Epstein-Barr virus are possible:

How does Epstein-Barr virus infection manifest?

Doctors see a particular danger of the Epstein-Barr virus in the unpredictability of the blow that it will inflict. So, against the background of this infection, chronic processes in the kidneys, myocardium, liver, possibly with a clinic of chronic infectious mononucleosis, can be detected. No less likely is prolonged low-grade fever (the so-called "rotten" temperature around 37.5 ° C), frequent bacterial and fungal diseases, lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.

Even the occurrence of an oncological process in the lymphoid tissue (Burkitt's lymphoma, stomach cancer, cancer of the colon or small intestine, leukoplakia of the oral mucosa and tongue, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and so on) is not excluded.

Recently, the emergence of the so-called chronic fatigue syndrome has also been associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. There is also an opinion that the occurrence of systemic autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc., can become long-term consequences of infection.

Why such a variety of outcomes of acute infection with the Epstein-Barr virus? It turns out that human blood cells, namely B-lymphocytes, designed to protect us from hostile microorganisms, have receptors for the Epstein-Barr virus! The virus multiplies in the cell, buds, and at the same time the B-lymphocyte cell itself may not be destroyed: it serves as a “universal pass” to any corner of the human body. As a result, long-term chronic persistence of the virus occurs in the bone marrow. In this case, the reproduction of the virus in cells may be absent for a long time.

Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis (synonyms - Filatov's disease, monocytic angina, Pfeiffer's disease, glandular fever) is a typical manifestation of acute massive infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Most often observed in childhood, and especially in adolescents. Infection, as a rule, occurs from a sick person who massively releases the Epstein-Barr virus into the environment. The main route of infection is airborne. Most often, infection occurs through saliva (when using common dishes, with kisses). Acute infectious mononucleosis is characterized by a rapid onset in the form of fever, enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes, tonsillitis, enlargement of the liver and spleen. In addition, mononucleosis (both acute and chronic) is almost always accompanied by hepatitis, including icteric form.

However, in recent years, cases of acute infectious mononucleosis are becoming less common. Most often, this disease initially proceeds chronically. Then it is manifested by a slight prolonged increase in different groups of lymph nodes, general weakness, fatigue, poor sleep, headache, muscle pain, subfebrile temperature, abdominal pain, diarrhea, herpetic eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes, pneumonia.

After suffering infectious mononucleosis from several months to several years, an increase in various groups of peripheral lymph nodes can be observed, and the release of the Epstein-Barr virus into the environment can last up to 1.5 years. But with all that said, there is good news: getting infectious mononucleosis is not easy. This is due to the fact that most people have previously met its pathogen, and have immune protection against it, virus carriers or chronic infection. Consequently, the risk of infection with infectious mononucleosis is highest in children's groups, where there may be children for whom contact with the virus will be the first in life.

At the same time, the risk of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is very high during blood transfusion and transmission from mother to child through the placenta.

Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infection

To diagnose the Einstein-Barr virus, laboratory research methods are used: complete blood count, biochemical blood test, immunogram, serological studies.

In the general blood test for infectious mononucleosis, a slight leukocytosis and lymphomonocytosis with atypical mononuclear cells of more than 10% in the blood count, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis are detected. After infectious mononucleosis in a child, lymphocytosis and atypical mononuclear cells (up to 10%) can persist for a long time (from 1-2 months to 1 year). If the number of mononuclear cells begins to grow, leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia occur, this may indicate a relapse of infectious mononucleosis or its transition to a chronic form.

In a biochemical blood test, an increase in the values ​​of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin is noted in mononucleosis hepatitis.

In the immunogram, shifts of a different nature can also be detected, indicating the tension of the antiviral link of immunity.

But all these changes are not specific to Epstein-Barr virus infection. Therefore, in addition to general clinical research methods, to confirm infection and determine the degree of virus activity, it is required to conduct a serological study (by ELISA method) and DNA diagnostics (by PCR method).

Specialists distinguish between latent and active (“non-terrible” and “terrible”) infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, and a serological blood test helps them in this. Thus, during acute infection with the Epstein-Barr virus and during the period of exacerbation of chronic infection, IgM class antibodies are detected in the blood, as well as a high level of early IgG class antibodies to VCA, the level of which subsequently decreases, although the threshold level persists for months. But IgG antibodies to EBNA after a “date” with the Epstein-Barr virus remain in the blood for life, so their presence cannot speak of the activity of the virus and the need for treatment.

If serological tests are positive, to clarify the stage of the disease process and its activity, it is necessary to conduct DNA diagnostics - testing for viral DNA by PCR in blood and / or saliva to determine the activity of the virus. Sometimes this method examines the material obtained from the lymph nodes, liver, from the intestinal mucosa. DNA diagnostics makes it possible to identify both healthy carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus and to determine acute infection or exacerbation of a chronic one (activation of the virus). But even in this case, it must be remembered that 15-20% of children chronically infected with the Epstein-Barr virus may experience salivary excretion in the absence of virus activation.

Treatment of children infected with Epstein-Barr virus

The goal of treating Epstein-Barr virus infection is to eliminate its clinical manifestations and transfer the active infection to a latent form in which it is not dangerous for the child. Therefore, children in whom the carriage of the Epstein-Barr virus is not accompanied by clinical manifestations and laboratory changes are not subject to treatment.

Alas, there is currently no uniquely effective and reliable method for the etiotropic therapy of infectious mononucleosis and other manifestations of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Acute infectious mononucleosis and generalized Epstein-Barr virus infection are usually treated in an infectious diseases hospital. Other forms can be treated on an outpatient basis.

An increase in peripheral lymph nodes in a child infected with the Epstein-Barr virus does not require treatment and additional examination for 2-3 weeks. If it persists for a longer time, the child should be examined for possible activation of a chronic viral infection and, accordingly, treatment should be started.

Epstein-Barr virus: prognosis depends on prevention

The prognosis of the further health of a child infected with the Epstein-Barr virus depends on many factors: the state of immunity, genetic predisposition, rational nutrition, surgical interventions, avoidance of stress, other viral and bacterial infections, etc.

It must be understood that the activation of the Epstein-Barr virus, which infects up to 95% of the population, can occur when the immune response is weakened, the immune system is depleted as a result of bacterial, fungal and other viral infections, due to vaccination, stress, serious illness, exacerbations of chronic processes, intoxication . So, for example, one should be extremely careful with routine vaccination of a child who has had infectious mononucleosis, as it can lead to virus activation. Therefore, do not forget to once again remind the observing pediatrician that your baby is "familiar" with the Epstein-Barr virus!

Parents should also keep in mind that even after successful treatment of the Epstein-Barr virus and converting it to an inactive form, the child should be in gentle conditions and regularly monitored by a doctor to avoid possible activation of the virus.