This topic is awareness on Epstein-Barr-Virus, I'm sure many of us have not even heard of it, I'm one of them but research shows 95% of the population already infected with it. This is how it got started, few months back I started experiencing periodic chest pain, 2 weeks ago I was hit with various symptoms that pretty much place me in bed for few days. I consider myself a healthy person (Height 1.72, weight 68kg.)

Below are the symptoms.

*Extreme thirst
*Chronic fatigue
*Foggy brain - unable to focus
*Dizzy spell
*Anxiety attack
*Muscle ache
*Joint pain
*Sore throat
*Depression
*Blurred vision
*Swollen lymph node
*Fever

Looks pretty bad right? My initial research narrowed these symptoms to Diabetes, HIV and Cancer. Told myself to keep a cool head and drew my courage to face my fear. Diabetes and Cancer can be treated from early detection, at least there's still hope. HIV victims can also survive up to 30 years with daily medication but comes with a side effects, look at Magic Johnson, he is still alive and well.

After all the delays, I went ahead to make an appointment for full body check-up. Took 3 days for results to come back, it shows that I'm perfectly fine except my Uric acid is a little high.

HIV Ag/Ab screening - Non-Reactive
Hepatits A Virus - Non-Reactive
Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C) - Non-Reactive
Heart X-ray - Good
Lungs X-ray - Good
Urine test - Good

I was delighted and surprised for not contracting any chronic diseases but that doesn't explain my symptoms, so I began to question the doctor but he merely brushed it off as a mild infection that will go away with time. I started my research as not too convinced, after scrutinizing my report, I saw;

Anti-EBV-VCA (Iga) ----- Negative <0.8 ----- My result - 0.83

Further research shows I'm a victim of EBV. Part of the herpes family that can be transmitted through saliva, sharing of cups etc. This virus will stay dormant for a long period of time till it's reactivated. I finally narrow the answer to my sickness, all symptoms matched.

This is not a chronic disease and currently there's also no vaccine and cure. Just have to live with it, one must keep a healthy lifestyle, excise, consume plenty of fruits with high antioxidant to keep this virus from reactivating. For those suffering from these symptoms, please get your blood tested, don't let the sudden bouts of attack take you off guard.

Cheers and stay healthy

This post has been edited by Xccess: Mar 21 2017, 06:05 PM

I didn't know EBV could cause those symptoms. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Where does the virus reside when it's dormant?

Got this from the internet. It resides in B cells during dormant stage. The numbers are staggering, 9 out of 10 adults have EBV.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stealth tactics


EBV can hide away in immune cells to avoid detection

The remarkable thing about EBV, as a virus, is its understated success. Around nine out of 10 adults carry the virus, making it one of the commonest human viral infections around.

If caught as a child, EBV normally causes no symptoms at all. Catching it later in life can also be symptom-free, although some people get quite ill for a short while with glandular fever before the immune system kicks into action.

But the virus has a card up its sleeve.

Unlike most infections, it isn’t conquered by the immune response. Instead it waves a white flag and retreats into hiding, lurking inside B cells – a type of white blood cell in the immune system.

This works to the virus’s advantage in the long run. As long as our immune defences are intact, the virus quietly persists under the radar, spreading from person to person, without us even knowing it’s there.

But there’s a darker side to EBV infection, as we explored in our last post. There are an estimated 200,000 cancers caused by the virus across the world every year, including lymphomas, nasopharyngeal cancers, and some stomach cancers.

After many years of detailed research, scientists are starting to understand why EBV causes cancer in only a small minority of the vast number of infected people, and how it leads to different types of cancers and affects different age groups and populations across the world.

Understanding the way our immune system responds to EBV and keeps the virus at bay has turned out to be a crucial piece of the puzzle, and it’s leading to new ways to tackle these cancers.

And just as the story of the discovery of EBV had a hefty dose of serendipity, a couple of chance medical observations revealed the battle ground between EBV and our immune system.

Very interesting.

I think it's because of our eating habits; especially Chinese and Japanese who use chopsticks. We contaminate the dishes when we don't use serving spoons.

So how do we keep those virus dormant? Is it like the shingle virus?

Don't think it's anything close to shingles though it shared certain similar symptoms. EBV affect individuals differently, some may not experience symptoms while others takes a harder hit due to low immune system.

My further research lead me to Larrea Tridentata, a kind of plant that grew in the desert. It works as a antiviral to keep EBV at bay but can be toxic to liver due to terpene compound found in the plant. Some pharmaceutical company had terpene removed making it safe for oral intake, one such company is LarreaRX.

I won't advice anyone to consume any antiviral without consulting your specialist. Do also note Antibiotic won't work on EBV. The best way is to eat healthy, take necessary vitamins to improve your immune system, exercise and don't over exert or stress yourself.

Get doctor to test if you have vitamins D deficiency, roughly 50% of the population have this deficiency. Vitamin D is vital to our immune system.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jun 8 2014, 10:00 PM

I will need EBV titers testing to have a better understanding on my status. Not much results from internet for EBV screening in KL, perhaps those in medical field can chime in.

haha u monkey'd around right? must have got it through hanging around at dirty places

anyway my experience, i had a terrible f***ing sore throat the worst in my life, gargled listerine till my gums bleed out. The sore throat is bad, everything i swallowed hurt. But that wasnt the worst. The fatigue really killed me. Cant do sports, too tired to walk around. So i just stayed home and rest. I was weak for 2-3 months. My first thought was that i must have been infected by HIV lol.

The most important thing is that you need to rest and rest a whole lot more.

Anyway this sickness can reoccur, you can get it back, i got it like twice .

Hmm....did fool around in my younger days, you know la.....active young man but one can also get infected with EBV through cups sharing or inhaling sneezing or cough vapors from EBV carrier, it's difficult to pinpoint where we got it from, just move on and live with it.

I'm glad to have your input. Yes, my initial thought was HIV but tested negative. Everyone reacted differently to EBV, mine was a mild sore throat that lasted only 3 days with some lozenges. The fatigue sticked to me for about 2 weeks.

I just bought some vitamins D3 from Blackmores, it's suppose to strengthen our immune system. Just stay healthy to keep this virus at bay, who knows a cure is near the horizon.

May I ask how you found out you were infected with EBV?

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jun 10 2014, 12:57 PM

my guess is my gf was promiscuous. Either that or i ate in an unhygienic eatery. Its a very common virus in europe/US.

Its not a common virus in asia.

How you found out you were infected with EBV? I think it's also common in Asia just that it received very little attention since there's no cure at the moment. I can't find local specialist that handles EBV, maybe I'll go BKK or Singapore for EBV titer test.

Any recommendation? I'm popping vitamins and exercising for now. Lymh nodes on my left armpit still swelling even though I'm feeling fine, hopefully it will go away soon.

Murraya koenigii = Curry tree

Anti-tumour promoting activity and antioxidant properties
of girinimbine isolated from the stem bark of Murraya koenigii S.

http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/17/4/4651




Coleus tuberosus = Plectranthus rotundifolius = Chinese potato = ubi kembili

http://www.globinmed.com/index.php?option=...gel&catid=380:p

Chemopreventive properties of phytosterols and maslinic acid extracted from Coleus tuberosus in inhibiting the expression of EBV early-antigen in Raji cells.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20491082




Anti-tumour promoter activity in Malaysian ginger rhizobia
used in traditional medicine.

http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v80/n1/abs/6690329a.html




Screening for the In Vitro Anti-tumor-promoting Activities of Edible Plants from Malaysia.


'' Further dilution experiments indicated an extract from the leaves of
Piper betle L. (Piperaceae) to be one of the most promising species. ''

Piper betle = Betel leaf

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/64...64_1_9/_article




This post has been edited by Tham: Jun 11 2014, 07:45 AM

Self diagnose. Also went to doctor to check for other std's.

You need to rest, do not strain yourself. Sleep early if possible 8-10 hours a day, dont do any sports. Eat healthy, no vitamins or anti biotic can help you, bacteria is 10x magnify a virus is 80,000x magnify , there are no cure for viruses.

Like i said before ebv is not a common virus here in malaysia, the docs that youve met would probrably have to refer back to their med book whereas if you live in the states, most school counsellors would have known what your encountering.

Lol...glad you know the root of the problem. It's true doctor here have very little knowledge of this virus, most symptoms were misdiagnosed. Take care for now.

The Chinese are at high risk of nasopharygeal cancer due to three main factors :

Genetics, mainly chromosome 6p21.3
EBV infection
Diet - salt fish


The virus resides in the nasal epithelium.

The standard antibody tests which you find in the labs here are :

IgA-VCA
IgA-EA

IgG-VCA
IgG-EA


For improved sensitivity and specificity, ask the lab if they test for the viral DNA.


Comparison of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA levels and serum
EBV immunoglobulin A/virus capsid antigen antibody titers in patients
with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15022282



Improved accuracy of detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by combined
application of circulating Epstein-Barr virus DNA and anti-Epstein-Barr viral
capsid antigen IgA antibody.

http://www.clinchem.org/content/50/2/339.long




Etiological factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

'' In the high risk population, genetic susceptibility to NPC has been mapped
to the HLA loci and adjacent genes in MHC region on chromosome 6p21. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24630258



Association between human leukocyte antigen and nasopharyngeal-carcinoma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23262096



Genome-wide association study reveals multiple nasopharyngeal
carcinoma-associated loci within the HLA region at chromosome 6p21.3.

http://www.cell.com/ajhg/pdf/S0002-9297(09)00298-5.pdf






Make sure you don't eat salt fish or other salt-preserved foods.

NPC is endemic amongst the boat people of Hongkong for this very reason.



Early Detection of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

'' NPC presents as a complex disease caused by an interaction between chronic
infection with oncogenic gamma herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and
environmental and genetic factors, involving a multistep carcinogenic process.''


'' Nonviral exposure associated with the risk of NPC involves the consumption of
salt-preserved fish, a traditional staple food in several NPC-endemic areas. In studies
of Chinese populations, the relative risk of NPC associated with weekly consumption,
compared with no or rare consumption, generally ranged from 1.4 to 3.2 per 100,000
whereas that for daily consumption ranged from 1.8 to 7.5 .

Salt-preserved foods are a dietary staple in all NPC-endemic populations.

Thus, this dietary staple pattern may explain part of the international distribution
of NPC incidence. The carcinogenic potential of salt-preserved fish is supported by
experiments in rats, which develop malignant nasal and nasopharyngeal tumors
after salted fish consumption. The process of salt preservation is inefficient,
allowing fish and other foods to become partially putrefied. As a result, these
foods accumulate significant levels of nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens
in animals. Salt-preserved fish also contain bacterial mutagens, direct genotoxins,
and EBV-reacting substances, any or all of which could also contribute to the
observed association. However, there have been no prospective studies of NPC
risk associations with salt-preserved fish consumption, or virtually any other
environmental exposure, in endemic areas. ''


http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijoto/2011/638058

Hmmm.....no salted fish. I can live with that.

Thanks for the info.

If there is no cure for it what's the point in getting diagnosed for it? U got it dianosed in one of the labs in msia?

Self diagnosed base on my health reports, doctor were not able to determined the problem when I share with him my symptoms. Need a proper screening to know what my body lack in order to replenish necessary minerals and vitamins to further enhance my immune system.

Previously I had little red bums on my scalp (Folliculitis) that refused to go away, followed by various symptoms. Further research on EBV suggested vitamins D deficiency resulting to lower immune system therefore I started taking it together with healthy diet last week, I can see significant improvement.

I wrote to Bumrungrad Bangkok Hospital requesting a specialist who have knowledge dealing with EBV, still waiting for their respond.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jun 13 2014, 11:24 AM

HMm I think TS is quite paranoid . during the course of our life time.. the sheer number and varieties of viruse and bacteria that resides inside (and protected against by our immune system) is alot ... regardless of how we try our best to live a healthy and safe lifestyle.

As for the cumulative damage they might do to us , or how or when they will strike as soon as we aged "adequately"/immune system down , we dont know.

Its good to learn more about the potential risks, but worrying each and every one of them does made life alot less fun and productive . The more we delve in (damn you google for opening up this quick access to knowledge) to understand what pararites and enemies are there inside our body, the more we fear as we aged (read: weakening). I rather wake up in the morning googling about what else I can do for myself, my family, my frends and perhaps if can, the world..... before my time is truly up.

This post has been edited by alanyuppie: Jun 13 2014, 11:23 AM

Just wanna know what I dealing with so I can remedy with the right approach. I'm still leading a happy life though it can be pretty unhealthy before due to smoking and drinking but I'm changing for the better.

Different stroke for different folks. Appreciate your input and fully understand your point. Lol....Dr. Google

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jun 13 2014, 11:42 AM

you should consider changing to Raw food - mix colors leafy veges, mushrooms, beans, sprouts choice of food

smoke and drink can lower body immune

200? 400? Low strength of most vitsupps here mostly rip-off. Supermarket D in USA commonly 5000 units. year's supply in one bottle. I break into half or quarter, like it lasts "forever" !

The one I had is 1000iu. Yes, US stocks are better but must watch what you are taking to avoid over dosage. Taking too much vitamin pills can be hard on the liver, just take what is needed. Exercising and eating healthy are the best options.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jun 15 2014, 12:32 AM

I've already given you the studies above on the antiviral properties of
certain foods and plants but you don't seem to have noticed.

These others have antiviral properties. The studies are on Medline and elsewhere
if you know how to find them.


Garlic
EGCG
Monolaurin
Olive leaf extract
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis
Oregano oil
Elderberry


The above can be ordered as supplements from Iherb.



In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/1470664



CMV is another member of the herpes family, and is a DNA virus like EBV, being
implicated in numerous diseases, including multiple sclerosis and some cancers.


Experimental study on the action of allitridin against human cytomegalovirus in vitro:
Inhibitory effects on immediate-early genes.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16844239/



Activities of Z-ajoene against tumour and viral spreading in vitro.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17521297/




Olive leaf's oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol compounds have activity against HIV.



Anti-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (OLE) and modulation of
host cell gene expression by HIV-1 infection and OLE treatment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12878215/?



http://users.rcn.com/wussery/olive1.html

http://www.about-olive-leaf-extract.com/na...-antiviral.html

http://www.hepatitiscfree.com/olive_leaf_book.htm


http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amparo...lication_detail



STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
ON A MODEL OF DNA OR RNA VIRUSES.

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohame...lication_detail


Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus lytic cycle by (-)-epigallocatechin gallate.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12589821




(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus spontaneous
lytic infection involves ERK1/2 and PI3-K/Akt signaling in EBV-positive cells.

http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/34/3/627.long


EGCG has activity against HIV as well, blocking the virus from binding to the gp120
receptor on your CD4 T-helper cells.


EGCG debilitates the persistence of EBV latency by reducing
the DNA binding potency of nuclear antigen 1.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22226960/




A new triple combination therapy.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/11366542

This seems like a potent dose for quickly curing the flu, the common cold, and other viral-related problems?

I can find olive leaf cum elderberry extracts online. Or would you recommend something far more effective? Please specify whether it's advisable to be used as a regular prevention as well, i.e. a better alternative to the common Vit C.

Sorry to bump this up, but how long does EBV lasts in the body and is there any clinics which can diagnosed this?

I have just gotten back from business trip and had some promiscuous moments been having really bad sore throat, body feels heaty and achy, headache for about 3-4 days now. After some initial research, it sounds similar to this...

Don't overreact, maybe just a regular flu or fever. Which country you went? Could it be dengue?

Stress, depression, lack of sleep may trigger EBV and once strike, you'll get all sorts of nasty symptoms, there's nothing one can do but to have plenty of rest, don't fight it. Mine triggered several months ago, symptoms still lingering but getting better. There's no way to get rid of it once we have it in our body, anyway studies reported 95% of the population have it.

You may want to go hospital for check-up, share with them your symptoms and asked if they can do a blood screening.

I went Indonesia last week, it started like a week after that and I have been getting those symptoms.. It's Friday past 4 days already now and I still have not recover yet. I haven't go for check up yet, can it be done in any govt hospital ask for specific test is it? I read these thread before and it seems like this EBV is not so known here.. not sure if Doc knows how to test it.

wow that it terrible symptoms, and 95% WW Infected with this virus?, btw this is infomation about this virus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0uAv-mKML8, is this plague inc virus?

This post has been edited by Doraku: Feb 24 2017, 07:22 AM

It also sounds similar to viral flu (influenza) infection.

Yeah, it does sound like it but it's been 4 days and I still haven't recover. A bit worrying..

Any cough/sneezing?

If u're worried, u might want to go to the govt clinic for a blood test. It's just RM1 per consultation.

Slight cough, sneezing yes.. having runny nose and nasal congestion with minimal phlegm. You mean Klinik Kesihatan?

You have cough, you have sneezing. Most likely a flu.

Yes, Klinik Kesihatan.

Hopefully it is and doens't caught any other viruses. Can't remember when was the last time I got so sick that's why I'm worried.

Suggest go seek a doctor, what's the point waiting? It could also be dengue, get your blood check. Wish you speedy recovery.

Does this cause prolong flu like illness?

Some symptoms can last for months but best to consult a doctor and do blood screening.

This post has been edited by bond123: Nov 13 2018, 09:36 PM

May I know where (which clinic) you got your Anti-EBV-VCA (Iga) tested?

Although this is an old thread, I'd like to point out some things.

TS's antibody assay is for Anti-EBV-VCA IgA, IgA is Immunoglobulin A. The IgA use in EBV diagnosis is not really for EBV infection itself, it's for EBV risk factor in NPC, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a cancer that has a significant endemicity in Malaysia's Chinese-ethnic population.

If you wish to test for an ACUTE, SUB-ACUTE EBV infection [the kind TS' post is about], the immunoglobulins that should be tested for is IgM and IgG.

This post has been edited by trencher10: Jan 11 2020, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the extra info. I don't think I have EBV infection.
I just wanted to rule out NPC, just like blood test for PSA, CA19.9 etc....
By any chance you know where to get this tested?

Any clinic that sends out blood sampling to a pathology lab will suffice, just ask the doctor first if their preferred patho lab can do it or not.
But generally just ask the doctor you normally go to if it is even worth the effort.

And no, you cannot rule out NPC by just an EBV load/serotiter result. It is merely ONE risk factor in NPC.

Got it. Thanks.