What is Epstein-Barr virus?
Epstein-Barr virus is a virus that is spread mostly through saliva and close bodily contact. It is very common, with nearly 95% of the world's adult population having been infected with Epstein-Barr virus in their lives.
In children, infection with Epstein-Barr virus is usually asymptomatic or associated with very mild symptoms. In adolescents and adults, Epstein-Barr virus infection is usually associated with infectious mononucleosis, otherwise known as glandular fever. This is a generally mild illness marked by sore throat, headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Most commonly, this gets better on its own without specific treatment. Hence, management of the illness usually involves management of symptoms with adequate fluids and medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Although the vast majority of people with Epstein-Barr virus infection recover without complications, serious but rare complications can occur in a minority of people. A potential short-term complication is swelling of the spleen, which can increase the risk of rupture requiring emergency surgery. Another potential short-term complication is obstruction of the airway due to swollen lymph nodes. In the long-term, Epstein-Barr virus has been implicated as a risk factor for several other diseases, including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, although the vast majority of people with Epstein-Barr virus infection do not develop these diseases.
Can hormones affect Epstein-Barr virus infection?
There has been some laboratory research suggesting that oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence the production of antibodies in response to Epstein-Barr virus infection. However, it is unclear whether this is associated with any clinically significant effects regarding the symptoms or outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus infection.
At present, there has been no research that specifically focuses on Epstein-Barr virus infection in the population of trans people who are receiving gender affirming hormone treatment. However, given how common Epstein-Barr virus infection is in the general population and given that the vast majority of people (cis and trans) with Epstein-Barr virus infection do not exhibit serious long-term complications, there is no evidence that gender affirming hormone treatment has any significant effect on the outcome of Epstein-Barr virus infection.
References
- Hoover K, Higginbotham K. Epstein-Barr Virus. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
- Mori H, Sawairi M, Itoh N, Hanabayashi T, Tamaya T. Effects of sex steroids on immunoglobulin M production by Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line SKW6-CL4. J In Vitro Fert Embryo Transf. 1991 Dec;8(6):329-35.