Epstein-Barr Virus

 

Infection with human herpesvirus 4, also known as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), causes mononucleosis. 

  • ·  Additionally, in individuals infected with HIV, EBV is capable of facilitating the development of oral hairy leukoplakia (Cade, 2017). 
  • This disease is highly associated with immunosuppression and can occur when HIV progresses to AIDS. Oral hairy leukoplakia consists of the development of nonremovable textured growths on either side of the tongue.
  •  When the EBV replicates within these lesions, the epithelial cells undergo hyperplasia and make the lesions appear hairy. 
  • These growths can be obtrusive and can be treated with antivirals including acyclovir in order to reduce their size. However, the development of hairy leukoplakia on the tongue is an indication of severe immune suppression and is associated with a poor prognosis (Cade, 2017).

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