Epstein-Barr Virus Health Article

Treatments

Because EBV infections are viral in origin, antibiotics are ineffective against them. Much research is geared toward the development of a vaccines effective against both the virus and cancer.

Anticancer drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, or radiation therapy have been shown to be effective against Burkitt's lymphoma in four out of five cases.

Alternative and complementary therapies

The goal of alternative treatment is to lower the white blood cell count to normal levels. Treatment often includes nutritional supplements such as flaxseed oil or shark cartilage, vitamins—including vitamins C and K, and mineral supplements containing magnesium and potassium. Well-conducted randomized clinical trials have not yet been conducted to prove efficacy of these therapies.

Resources

BOOKS

Clayman, Charles. The American Medical Association Home Medical Encyclopedia New York: Random House, 1989

Cotran, R. S., et al. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5^th ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1994.

Diamond, John W., W. Lee Cowden, and Burton Goldberg. An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Cancer Puyallup, WA:: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1997.

ORGANIZATIONS

Queensland Institute of Medical Research <http://www.webmaster@qimr.edu.au> 12/7/99

Center for Disease Control, National Center for Infectious Diseases Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis <http://www.cdc.gov.org> 3/26/01

Joan Schonbeck, R.N.

Lymphocyte

—Any of a group of white blood cells of crucial importance to the immune system's production of a tailor-made defense against specific invading organisms.

Lymphoma

—A group of cancers in which the cells of tissue usually found in the lymph nodes or spleen multiply abnormally.

Malaria

—A serious disease prevalent in the tropics. It is caused by parasites and produces severe fever and sometimes complications affecting the kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. It is spread by the Anopheles mosquito and can be fatal.

Nasopharyngeal

—Affecting the passage connecting the nasal cavity behind the nose to the top of the throat behind the soft palate.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What tests can be done if Epstein-Barr Virus infection is suspected?
• Have any vaccines against Epstein-Barr Virus been developed?