The Epstein-Barr Virus causes infectious mononucleosis, also commonly known as “mono”. Mono is a contagious disease that is most often found in children and young adults, and it is common to be spread by intimate oral contact, which gives it its name the “kissing disease”. The B cells are the primary host cells for this virus, which are infected by the multiplication of the EBV in lymphatic tissues that then moves into the blood. The B cells appearance changes to the point that they resemble a monocyte. If one was to look at the infected B cells, they would notice that they have become enlarged and abnormal. The virus increases the white blood cell count by a high percentage of lymphocytes. There are many signs and symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, sore throat, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, and fever. No cure has been found to cure mono, but there has been research done on young killer cells that protect against the infectious disease.
According to an article I read about young killer cells protection against mono, it is common for people to be carriers of the Epstein-Barr Virus. However, some people are not carriers, and the age one becomes infected with this virus can determine one’s illness. For instance, the article mentions that, as an adult, getting infected will more likely cause them to become ill, whereas, a child who is infected is less likely to become ill because of his innate immune system. This is because, according to immunologists from the University of Zurich, young natural killer cells fight off the infectious disease, and children’s innate immune system has an abundance of these young natural killer cells. This means that adolescents and adults who do not have these young natural killer cells are more likely to get infected and become ill. However, this group from the University of Zurich is working on finding a vaccination that could protect people from getting infected by this disease.
If they find a vaccination that keeps more people from getting EBV who can’t fight it off because they don’t have the young natural killer cells, it will reduce healthcare costs and work loss for the one at risk of getting ill. If one gets infected, not only do they have to pay for the care given to them by their doctor or whoever they see, but also they lose time at work. This will cause a problem with them being able to not only pay for personal necessities but also their Healthcare. As a whole society, Healthcare costs increases everybody’s insurance costs, and work loss costs everyone involved in productivity and sick time, whether it is short term disability, long term disability, or elderly care if they do become disabled. Therefore, if a vaccination is found, it can tremendously help with the costs of Healthcare and work loss for individuals or society as a whole.
Tortora, Gerard J and Derrickson, Bryan. Princciples of Anatomy and Physiology 13th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2011. 30 Jan. 2014.
University of Zurich. “Young killer cells protect against infectious mononucleosis.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 19 December 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131219130145.htm>.