Epstein-Barr Virus Overview
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L-lysine, Monolaurin, and
EBV
What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is one of the most widespread human viruses today, infecting nearly 90% of adults around the world [Ref #4]. EBV is a member of the herpes family of viruses and is also known as human herpesvirus 4. The virus can lead to a number of health issues, most notably mononucleosis, more commonly known as “mono” or “glandular fever”. A person is usually infected during early childhood and then the virus becomes inactive existing in a latent state. During this stage, there are no symptoms of the virus but EBV can reactivate at any time. When EBV reactivates in the body, there still may be no signs. It typically takes two to four weeks to recover from EBV symptoms but in certain cases feelings of fatigue can continue for several weeks and even months. [Ref 1]
What are the symptoms of EBV?
The symptoms of EBV can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from those of other illnesses. However, characteristic symptoms of an infection may include:
Fatigue
Fever
Inflamed throat
Rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarged spleen
Swollen liver
[Ref #1]
Is EBV contagious and how does it spread?
Epstein-Barr Virus is contagious. The virus is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids. Most often the bodily fluid is saliva from activities such as deep kissing or from sharing utensils and drinking glasses. A person is contagious for a few weeks after initial infection and any time the virus reactivates even if no symptoms are present. [Ref #1]
What causes reactivation?
Reactivation of EBV after its latent stage is usually brought on by sudden stress and commonly in people who have other health conditions.
“EBV reactivates (lytic phase) under conditions of psychological stress with consequent weakening of cellular immunity, and EBV reactivation has been shown to occur in a subset of individuals with each of a variety of cancers, autoimmune diseases, the autoimmune-like disease, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis and under other circumstances such as being an inpatient in an intensive care unit.” [Ref #6]
As this study suggests, stress factors both physical and psychological my trigger a reactivation of EBV.
EBV
Research
Is there a connection between the Epstein-Barr Virus and other health issues?
There has been extensive research done on the connection between the Epstein-Barr Virus and other health conditions, primarily mononucleosis (mono), certain types of cancer, and thyroid and other autoimmune conditions.
EBV and Mono (Glandular Fever)
Mononucleosis, mono, or glandular fever, is the most common disease caused by an EBV infection. Typically adolescents suffer from this disease which can last up to six weeks and is characterized by extreme fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes. [Ref #1]
“Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects about 90% of adults worldwide. It is the main cause of infectious mononucleosis, which is observed most frequently in adolescents. The disease can last several weeks and is characterized by lymphocytosis, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and fatigue. Exposure to oral secretions during deep kissing has been identified as the major source for primary EBV infection in adolescents” [Ref #4]
For more information, see the article on the differences between EBV, mono, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
EBV and Cancer
There is a link between certain cancers and the presence of the Epstein-Barr Virus. EBV can lead to lymphomas, because the virus interacts with the lymph nodes, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a cancer that originates at the back of the nose.
“Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with multiple types of human cancer, including lymphoid and epithelial cancers. The closest association with EBV infection is seen in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is endemic in the southern Chinese population. A strong association between NPC risk and the HLA locus at chromosome 6p has been identified, indicating a link between the presentation of EBV antigens to host immune cells and NPC risk.” [Ref #9]
The study above demonstrates that there exists a link between cancer and the Epstein-Barr virus, especially in the type of cancer called nasopharyngeal cancer.
EBV and Thyroid/Autoimmune
EBV research has discovered a prevalence of the disease in conjunction with autoimmune diseases, specifically thyroid autoimmune diseases. For more information on the link between EBV and thyroid issues visit see the article on Hashimoto’s Disease.
“…EBV modifies the host immune response. The worldwide prevalence of autoimmune diseases shows how common this pathogen is. Normally, the virus stays in the body and remains dormant throughout life. However, this is not always the case, and a serious EBV-related illness may develop later in life. This explains the chronic course of autoimmune diseases that is often accompanied by exacerbations of symptoms. Based on the present studies, EBV infection can cause autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis. The EBV has also been reported in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Although EBV is not the only agent responsible for the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases, it can be considered a contributory factor.” [Ref #3]
Is there a cure for EBV?
There currently is no cure for EBV. Because it is a virus, antibiotics cannot combat it. Additionally, there are no preventative measures in the form of vaccines available. Though there is no specific treatment for EBV, there has been research conducted about certain supplements that can help with this virus. [Ref #1]
Potential Supplements for EBV
What is L-lysine?
L-lysine is the L-isomer of lysine. Humans require nine essential amino acids and lysine is one of them. It assists in growth and tissue repair and is necessary for metabolism. It occurs naturally in many foods such as red meat, dairy products, and fish. [Ref #9]
Does lysine help with EBV?
Studies have shown L-lysine to be effective in disrupting forms of herpes-simplex virus (HSV). Since EBV is a member of the herpes family of viruses, the data also demonstrated that lysine supplements were beneficial for people infected by EBV.
Reactivation of EBV is usually due to an increase in psychological stress. L-lysine has been proven to help soothe anxiety levels in otherwise healthy individuals. Taking a supplemental dose of L-lysine could therefore lower stress levels and thereby prevent reactivation of the Epstein-Barr Virus. [Ref #8]
The Epstein-Barr Virus requires another amino acid called arginine. Lysine and arginine are in direct competition for absorption into cells. Therefore, by introducing more lysine into a person’s system it is possible to control the amount of arginine in the body. This inhibits the growth of HSV viruses, such as EBV. [Ref #7]
“The in vitro data may be the basis for the observation that patients prone to herpetic lesions and other related viral infections, particularly during periods of stress, should abstain from arginine excess and may also require supplemental lysine in their diet.” [Ref #5]
The study above demonstrated that supplemental lysine was beneficial for patients who were displaying symptoms of herpes and other viral infections.
What is Monolaurin?
Monolaurin is a medium-chain fatty acid that is formed from lauric acid. It occurs naturally in coconut oil and mother’s breast milk but can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Studies have shown monolaurin to have numerous health benefits. [Ref #5]
For more in-depth information on monolaurin visit the Monolaurin Essential Guide.
Does Monolaurin help with EBV?
Monolaurin has been shown in some laboratory studies to be potentially effective in inactivating certain viruses. One such virus is the herpes virus which is the family of viruses that EBV belongs to.
“The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin (a Fat otherwise found in breast milk) which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Monolaurin is a monoglyceride that can actually destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, measles, influenza virus, various pathogenic bacteria, protozoa such as giardalamblia.” [Ref #5]
Another study examined the effects of short-chain fatty acids on EBV vs the effects of medium-chain fatty acids or MCFAs (such as monolaurin). The results of the experiment found that MCFAs were effective in blocking the reactivation of the EBV virus.
“In fact, our data suggest that MCFAs, such as VPA and phenylbutyrate, may be used to block EBV lytic reactivation….Given the effects we observed on EBV and KSHV lytic reactivation, dietary sources of fatty acids may also be considered for treating virus-associated cancers.” [Ref #6]
Because monolaurin may be beneficial in blocking the reactivation of EBV, taking a supplementary dosage might be helpful in avoiding a reactivation and managing associated symptoms, but this is not proven.
Using L-lysine and Monolaurin Safely
As with all dietary supplements, L-lysine and Monolaurin should be taken under the direction and supervision of a healthcare professional. Read more research about the potential synergistic effects of L-Lysine and Monolaurin.
Shop Monolaurin
Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.
References
“About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, May 8, 2018.
“About Infectious Mononucleosis.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, May 8, 2018.
Dittfield, A, et al. “A Possible Link between the Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders.” Central European Journal of Immunology, 25 Oct. 2016.
Dunmire, SK, et al. “Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection.” Journal of Clinical Virology, May 2018.
Ezigbo, Veronica O., Mbaegbu Emmanuella A. “Extraction of Lauric Acid from Coconut Oil, Its Applications and Health Implications On Some Microorganisms. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology.” April, 2016.
Gorres, K L, et al. “Activation and Repression of Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Cycles by Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids.” Journal of Virology, July 2014.
Griffith, RS, et al. “Relation of Arginine-Lysine Antagonism to Herpes Simplex Growth in Tissue Culture.” Chemotherapy, 1981.
Kerr, JR. “Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Reactivation and Therapeutic Inhibitors.” Journal of Clinical Pathology, 17 July 2019.
“Lysine.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Smriga, M, et al. “Oral Treatment with L-Lysine and L-Arginine Reduces Anxiety and Basal Cortisol Levels in Healthy Humans.” Biomedical Research, Apr. 2007.
Tsao, SW, et al. “Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 19 Oct. 2017. B.