In a previous post I discussed how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is involved in the development of autoimmune diseases. It’s involved in a lot of other illnesses too including those affecting the brain and gut.
In this post I’ll go over how it causes neuroinflammation, “leaky brain” and digestive issues like SIBO and IBD.
Neuroinflammation or “Leaky Brain”
One of the diseases that EBV is associated with is multiple sclerosis (MS). Many people with MS test positive for markers indicating an active EBV infection.
You’ve heard of “leaky gut” but have you heard of “leaky brain?” Viruses like EBV are able to break down the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is a protective barrier made up of blood, fluid and immune cells. EBV can infect these cells causing inflammation that leads to a breakdown of the BBB. Once the BBB is compromised, T cells can get in that are reactive to ourselves and start the autoimmune process.
EBV and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) involves an area of the brain called the hypothalamus that controls many of our other body systems. CFS used to be called “chronic Epstein-Barr syndrome” and can sometimes follow a viral infection. CFS may just be chronic EBV or chronic mononucleosis.
Both EBV and CFS share similar symptoms of fatigue and fever. CFS may or may not have positive antibody tests for EBV. Those with CFS may show abnormalities in their immune cells including low natural killer cells, high B cells and low cytokines that help support immune inflammation.
EBV and the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is a major nerve that runs from the brain to the heart, lungs and gut. Impairment of this nerve can slow down intestinal contractions leading to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), constipation and other digestive symptoms.
One hypothesis is that EBV is able to infect the vagus nerve and this causes the protective immune cells to produce inflammatory substances that lead to further viral infection and increased pain sensitivity. Because the vagus nerve is directly connected to the brain, it’s “notified” and slows down leading to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog and flu-like symptoms.
If you have SIBO or digestive symptoms you may also want to get tested for EBV and vice versa.
EBV and Other Digestive Illnesses
SIBO isn’t the only disease that is associated with EBV. Others can include gastric and duodenal ulcers, GERD, and functional dyspepsia. EBV can trigger coinfection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and H. pylori can do the same for EBV. Many people with ulcers, GERD and functional dyspepsia have been found to also have EBV as well as H. pylori. If you have these illnesses and aren’t getting better, you may want to get tested for EBV.
EBV may play a role in triggering the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes diseases like ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Those with these diseases have a higher prevalence of EBV and EBV has been found to be higher in sites of active infection.
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-Dr. Jamie
Resources
Kines, K. (2018). The Epstein-Barr virus solution: The hidden undiagnosed epidemic of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disease - how to heal and regain your life. Holistic Nutrition Press
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