Inf: Epstein-Barr Virus: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this classic cause of glandular fever and much more – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family (human herpesvirus 4) and the main cause of infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). It also has significant links to certain cancers and lifelong latency.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Spread via saliva (“kissing disease”), also by sharing drinks, cutlery, or close contact• Peak risk: teenagers and young adults (15–24)• Immunosuppression (HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant)• Crowded environments (e.g., dorms, barracks)Mnemonic: “KISS for Kissing disease: Kissing, Immunosuppressed, Sharing, Social crowding”📌 Pathophysiology• EBV infects epithelial cells in the oropharynx, then B lymphocytes• Establishes lifelong latent infection in B cells• Body’s immune response (T cells fighting infected B cells) drives most symptoms• Virus can reactivate later, especially if immunosuppressed📌 Symptoms• Classic triad: severe sore throat, fever, cervical lymphadenopathy• Extreme fatigue, malaise, headache• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), mild hepatitis (↑ LFTs)• Palatal petechiae, possible maculopapular rash (esp. after amoxicillin)Mnemonic: “Mono Triad: Fever, Nodes, Sore throat”📌 Differential Diagnosis• Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)• Acute HIV• Toxoplasmosis• Adenovirus• Lymphoma/leukaemia (if severe/atypical lymphadenopathy)📌 Diagnosis• Clinical suspicion: classic triad in teens/young adults• Full blood count (FBC): lymphocytosis, atypical lymphocytes• Monospot (heterophile antibody) test – positive in most after 2nd week (not reliable early or <12 years)• EBV serology (VCA IgM: recent infection; EBNA: past infection)• LFTs: mild transaminitisTip: Monospot can be falsely negative early – repeat or check EBV serology if high suspicion📌 Management• Supportive care: rest, fluids, analgesia (paracetamol/ibuprofen)• Avoid contact sports (risk of splenic rupture – at least 3–4 weeks)• Avoid ampicillin/amoxicillin (may cause rash)• Hospital admission if: airway compromise, severe dehydration, complications• Steroids only for severe complications (e.g., airway obstruction)• No effective antivirals for routine EBV mono• Avoid alcohol while unwell📌 Complications• Splenic rupture (emergency!)• Severe hepatitis or cholestasis• Neurological: Guillain-Barré syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, Bell’s palsy• Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia• Airway obstruction (tonsillar swelling)• Secondary bacterial infections• Rarely: myocarditis, nephritis📌 Prognosis• Most recover fully within weeks, though fatigue can last months• Lifelong EBV latency; virus persists in B cells• Rare, but important, links to certain lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, and possible multiple sclerosis📎 More MSRA Resources for Epstein-Barr Virus📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/epstein-barr-virus-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/epstein-barr-virus-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/epstein-barr-virus-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/epstein-barr-virus-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/infectious-diseases-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #EpsteinBarrVirus