Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a public health consultant and physician with more than 10 years of experience in the California public health system. Epstein-Barr virus EBV is a common and highly contagious herpes virus that spreads through bodily fluids like saliva. EBV is often asymptomatic but may cause symptoms such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes , and rash.
EBV may also cause infectious mononucleosis, or mono. Diagnosis of EBV can be challenging because symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.
A blood test that detects the presence of specific antibodies is the most common tool used to diagnose EBV. Treatment for EBV typically involves managing the symptoms, such as with rest, fluids, and pain relievers. EBV is classified into two major types: type 1 and type 2. While your healthcare provider may not determine which type you have, researchers studying EBV may use molecular and genetic techniques to distinguish between different types or strains of the virus.
Understanding different EBV strains can help support the development of vaccines and therapies to prevent and treat EBV and associated conditions. Type 1 is the most common type of EBV and is linked to most cases of mono. There are several strains of the virus within type 1, which vary in their genetic makeup and geographic distribution.
For example, the EBV strain most commonly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma a type of throat cancer is more prevalent in certain regions in Asia. Type 2 is less common than type 1. Less is known about type 2 EBV and its strains, but researchers continue to explore this type and its potential complications. Most people with an active EBV infection are asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any symptoms.
