Epstein-Barr virus (PCR)

EDTA blood

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belongs to the herpes virus family and is primarily known for causing infectious mononucleosis, also known as "mono" or "the kissing disease."

EBV is highly contagious and is primarily transmitted through saliva and forms of close contact, such as sharing drinks or utensils. Once a person is infected with EBV, the virus remains in their body for life, but it usually remains dormant and does not cause any symptoms.
However, EBV can reactivate and then most commonly manifests as infectious mononucleosis with symptoms like extreme fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and enlarged spleen.
EBV is also strongly associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and is also linked to certain autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.