Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is also a member of the herpes virus family. It is very common most adults have been exposed to it by the time they turn 40. Your child may be tested prior to transplant to determine if they have antibodies against EBV.
In most people, EBV causes a viral illness that is either asymptomatic (no symptoms) or mild. Sometimes the infected person may have a sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes and flu like syndroms which is often called mononucleosis. This is more common when EBV infects an adolescent or young adult. Like all the other herpes viruses discussed, once a person has an EBV infection, the virus stays in the body for the rest of their life, although usually with no problems.
For transplant patient, EBV infection increases the chance of developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PLTD). This condition can be lie mono or more severe and even lead to cancer and in rare instances death. PLTD can occur after a new infection or if a dormant virus (that has remained in the body after a previous infection) becomes active again.
Because of the concern for EBV causing PLTD your child may have blood work checked periodically before and after transplantation.
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