Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr virus is an important aetiological factor in certain HIV-related syndromes, with its opportunist expression related to the level of host immunodeficiency. In asymptomatic people co-infected with HIV, EBV activity is reflected by increased viral shedding and rises in anti-EBV titres; as immunodeficiency ensues EBV manifests as epithelial hyperproliferation in OHL, and later as B-cell lymphoma in AIDS. The suggested role of EBV as a co-factor in the progression of HIV infection and development of AIDS has not been established, although another herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, might play such a role. Advances in our understanding of HIV regulation and its interaction with other latent (herpes) viruses should provide important molecular and pharmacological approaches to the clinical management of advanced HIV disease.