CSF analysis revealed higher protein levels and significantly lower glucose levels in EBV cases.
Epstein-Barr Virus: A Key Player in Severe Brain Infections
A recent study highlighted the significant role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in encephalitis, a serious brain infection. Researchers from West China Hospital examined 364 patients with encephalitis between June 2020 and April 2021. Their findings were published in the Virology Journal (Liu et al., 2025).
Key Findings
EBV was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 23.6% of patients, with 39 cases confirmed as EBV-associated encephalitis. Patients affected by EBV encephalitis showed distinctive symptoms compared to those with other viral encephalitis.
- CSF analysis revealed higher protein levels and significantly lower glucose levels in EBV cases.
- MRI scans showed more frequent meningeal involvement in EBV patients (30.6%) compared to other herpes-virus infections (6.5%).
- Researchers identified immunosuppression and active EBV infection in the blood as key risk factors.
Age and Immune Status Matter
EBV encephalitis was more common in older patients and those with weakened immunity. HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatments especially made patients vulnerable. The study also identified lower T-lymphocyte counts in EBV encephalitis patients. This suggests that EBV not only affects the brain but also significantly impacts the immune system.
A Unique Brain Infection
EBV encephalitis differs from other herpes-virus infections. It is marked by higher CSF protein levels, reduced glucose, and distinct immune changes. These findings suggest that EBV may enter the brain through weakened barriers, like the blood-brain barrier.
Call for Attention
The researchers emphasized the importance of early testing and treatment for EBV-associated encephalitis. They also recommended further studies to explore its link with conditions like autoimmune diseases or subsequent immune complications.
Conclusion
This study underscores EBV’s role as a serious pathogen in encephalitis. Its findings highlight the need for better awareness and targeted therapies for this type of brain infection.
Reference
Liu, Z., Peng, A., Huang, L., Sha, L., Tang, Y., Zhou, Y., & Chen, L. (2025). Clinical features and risk factors for Epstein-Barr virus-associated encephalitis: A retrospective cohort study. Virology Journal, 22(141). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-025-02768-w
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Until 2023, Dr. Charudatta S Pathak held multiple academic positions, including lecturer, assistant professor, professor, dean, principal, director, and vice chancellor at public and private universities across India. From 2008 to 2010, he held the position of project lead in the CAE department at a European multinational corporation. Throughout his 28-year professional experience, he observed a requirement for reliable publications aimed at youngsters in grades 8 to 12, specifically for early-stage career planning. He initiated the establishment of ENTECH Digital Magazine, a complimentary periodical released on a monthly basis, accessible via stemconference.in and magzter.com. Teenagers with a keen interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and aspiring to pursue professional paths in these domains can consider reading ENTECH Digital Magazine.