What condition is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus?

Epstein-Barr virus most commonly causes infectious mononucleosis, often called mono or glandular fever.

EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family and spreads mainly through saliva. Infection is often silent in young children, but infection during adolescence or adulthood is more likely to produce the characteristic combination of fever, severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and pronounced fatigue. The spleen or liver may also enlarge.

The illness is usually self-limiting, with major symptoms improving within two to four weeks, although tiredness can persist for months. Because an enlarged spleen can rupture, people recovering from mono are often advised to avoid contact sports until medically cleared.

“Mono” is not synonymous with every EBV infection: many people carry EBV without symptoms, and a mononucleosis-like illness can occasionally be caused by cytomegalovirus or other infections. EBV remains latent in the body after the initial infection. It was identified in 1964 by Michael Epstein, Yvonne Barr and Bert Achong.