Persisting Illness and Fatigue in Adults with Evidence of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Abstract

Clinical, serologic, virologic and immunologic evaluations for 31 adults with chronic illness and fatigue suggested that 23 had persisting Epstein-Barr virus infection. Among these 23 patients, cellular immune mechanisms were generally normal, but 4 had mild Ig deficiencies. Patients (20) had abnormal serologic profiles specific for Epstein-Barr virus shown by significantly elevated titers of antibodies to the viral capsid antigen or early antigen, or by a deficiency of late-appearing antibodies. In 11 of 15 patients tested, circulating immune complexes were found. Circulating interferon was not found in 18 patients tested, but the activity of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase, an interferon-induced enzyme, was increased in 5 patients studied. Of 19 patients, 18 had persisting suppressor T-cell activity typically found in patients recovering from acute infectious mononucleosis. The Epstein-Barr virus may be associated with chronic illness in adults.