How does the age of the infected individual play a role in the development of Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4 ) infections such as infectious mononucleosis?
What will be an ideal response?
The symptoms of most Epstein-Barr infections result from a "war" between the cellular and humoral divisions of the immune system. B cells are infected by Epstein-Barr virus, and then cytotoxic T cells try to kill the infected B cells. The younger an infected individual is, the less mature his or her cellular immune system is, and the less effective it will be in causing symptoms during the "war." In fact, in young children, Epstein-Barr virus infections are usually asymptomatic. The later in life an individual is infected with Epstein-Barr virus, the more vigorous the cellular immune system is, and the more problematic and symptomatic the infection becomes. On the other hand, however, a vigorous cellular immune response also means that the infected B cells may be completely eradicated from the body, resulting in no discernible disease in many individuals.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Section: Viral Cardiovascular and Systemic Diseases
Learning Outcome: 21.23
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