EBV/Glandular Fever? - Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Message Board

Ronnie99 · 07-20-2006, 07:02 PM

I have been feeling down and sick for almost 6 months now. Initially I was diagnosed with an active Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. I was not 100% certain on how they interpret the tests for this virus but my doctor seemed to say that my tests implied a newly acquired EBV infection (which is somewhat rare apparently for someone who is 40 since over 95% of people have been exposed to EBV by that age I was told). I have felt feverish in my head and neck ever since this started but never have actually had a measurable high temperature. The feverish feeling diminished over time as did the swollen glands in the neck and under the arms.

I have read that EBV infection is called glandular fever in other countries and this seemed to be a perfect description for what I have experienced. I also heard that the symptoms can last 6 months or more.
Has anyone else had this sort of situation/symptoms? I'm just trying to see if anyone has any ideas for how to feel better. I have had numerous other tests run to eliminate other problems such as STDs and cancer but all they can find is EBV...

Kali M · 07-24-2006, 07:07 PM

Ronnie,

Do you have your EBV results? Would you post them?

I completely agree - it is VERY uncommon to get an acute (first-time) infection of mono at your age. :-) (no disrespect, buddy. I'm 40 as well!) More than likely, you are having a resurgence of EBV (or a chronic infection), and this can be found in CFIDS patients (though it may be found in other conditions as well).

KM

BTW - I hope your doc told you (since she/he thinks you have acute mono) - absolutely NO alcohol and no sports in which your internal organs could get seriously josseled - not that you have the energy for such. Liver damage could occur during acute mono.

Ronnie99 · 07-25-2006, 05:28 PM

Kali: I will ask the doctor for the results of both tests and post them here. They had the test run twice and it supposedly showed the infection was high the first time and it had fallen a bit the second time a month later...

Kali M · 07-25-2006, 05:37 PM

Ronnie,
There are actually 4 levels that can/should be taken to accurately describe what's going on with EBV. They include:

EBV Ab (Antibodies) VCA, IgM
EBV Early Antigen Ab, IgG
EBV Ab VCA, IgG
EBV Nuclear Antigen Ab, IgG

IgM = early (acute) infection
IgG = progressive, ongoing or chronic infection

My levels were elevated for the last two indicating a chronic or reactivated infection.

I'd encourage everyone to ALWAYS ask for copies of your medical records and labwork. It's good to understand the labs that have been done and what they indicate. (Especially when - as we find with thyroid labs - the "normal" ranges later change).

KM