Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects B lymphocyte cells. It is in the herpesvirus family and was discovered in 1964. It can cause a variety of diseases and is spread mainly from saliva containing virus-infected epithelial cells. Close to 95% of adults throughout the world have been infected with EBV. It is a causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. Treatment is generally supportive care.
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