Medical researchers continue to study autoimmune diseases, in attempt to find definitive causes for them. One virus that continues to be found in higher titers (blood measurements) among autoimmune disease patients, than in the healthy population, is the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). One specific medical study concludes that the association of EBV has been found in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis as well.
EBV More Serious Than Once Believed
Medical research has revealed in recent years, that EBV is associated strongly with autoimmune diseases of all types; in fact during the years 2006 through 2008, several medical groups issued press releases including Multiple Sclerosis among the diseases that can be caused or triggered by EBV. Approximately 80% of the general population is infected with EBV. Even when immunity against EBV initially develops in a person's body, the dormant virus can later go on to cause the onset of chronic, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases in susceptible individuals. The virus is also linked to causing certain types of cancer.
Some People Who Contract EBV Experience Mononucleosis
The initial illness of Mononucleosis (mono) that can result from EBV infection is usually not serious or life-threatening but the viral symptoms of fatigue, body aches and swollen lymph nodes in the neck will require bed rest, increased fluid intake and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to moderate fever. This illness, also referred to as “the kissing disease” usually resolves within six weeks of contracting it. Many people, who contract the virus and carry it in their bodies lifelong, do not experience the symptoms of mono.
Studies State That EBV Can Reactivate and Replicate
Other medical studies and sources, including mentions in articles published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (PubMed) state that EBV can reactivate and replicate (increase in number) in immunocompromised individuals or what is also referred to as immunodeficiency. Some studies have associated viral reactivation of EBV and other lifetime viruses as being factors in causing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also called Myalgic Encephalopathy/ME) which is sometimes referred to as a "post viral illness".
It may also eventually be proven that many thyroid autoimmunity cases are also caused by the EBV virus specifically. It is possible that the immune system’s ongoing battle to prevent reactivation and replication of the virus in immunocompromised individuals results in the eventual turning of the immune system against tissues in the body that contain the virus later in life. Auto-antibodies will be created in these cases, to attack natural parts of the body that are recognized as threats. The continued findings in this area of research will be interesting to follow and may also hold answers to treatments for conditions of autoimmunity in the future.
Jim Lowrance - James M. (Jim) Lowrance has authored over 100 book and ebook publications since year 2004.
