Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) /ep″stīnbär″/ [Michael A. Epstein, b. 1921, English pathologist; Yvonne M. Barr, 20th-century English virologist; L, virus, poison] , the herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with nasopharyngeal sarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease, B cell lymphoma, leukoplakia, central nervous system lymphoma in AIDS, and Burkitt’s lymphoma, especially in immunodeficient patients such as posttransplantation patients on immunosuppressive therapy. It is also thought to cause oral hairy leukoplakia. One of the most common human viruses, it resides in the salivary glands, is transmitted with saliva, and continues to be shed. EBV is ubiquitous. By 40 years of age 99% of the U.S. population has serological evidence of EBV infection. Infection is often asymptomatic. There is no specific treatment. No antiviral drugs are available.
