Epstein-Barr virus & histamine: Effects on the immune system
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a vastly underestimated member of the herpes family. The infection is considered a " disease of civilization " because more than 90% of the world's population carries this virus. When it becomes active, it attacks the immune system and can cause illnesses such as mononucleosis (glandular fever ) or contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV also affects our histamine levels . You can find more information, such as symptoms, causes, and the connection between EBV and histamine intolerance, in the following blog article.
The Epstein-Barr virus: What is it?
As mentioned above, more than 90% of the world's population will be infected with EBV at some point in their lives. In most cases, infection occurs in early childhood or adolescence and initially remains asymptomatic for most people. In some cases, the infection even goes unnoticed and without symptoms.
What are the symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus?
In adolescents and young adults, EBV often manifests as infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever . The most common symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild, and the body recovers relatively quickly. However, some individuals may experience life-threatening complications , such as splenic rupture, respiratory distress, or hypoglycemia (low blood cell count ). There is also an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) or Hodgkin's lymphoma.
How is the virus transmitted?
Since infection most often occurs in childhood and is asymptomatic , only about 10-20% of the population contracts the virus in their second or third year of life. The virus is primarily transmitted through saliva contact . However, transmission via blood transfusions or sexual contact is also possible. The risk of infection exists only in people who have been infected with the virus but have not yet developed infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever).
How does the virus spread in the body?
In a primary EBV infection , the cells of the oral and nasal mucosa and the B lymphocytes in the pharynx are initially affected. During the subsequent incubation period of four to eight weeks, the viruses spread via the bloodstream. Even after symptoms have subsided, EBV can still be detected in saliva for several weeks.
The connection between EBV and the immune system
When infected with EBV, it embeds itself in the body's immune system. It confuses the immune system by evading a defense response. If the body is under stress or strain for a certain period of time, triggered by other illnesses, hormonal changes , or other psychological stressors and traumas , the human immune system can be weakened.
In this state, the EBV may take advantage of the situation, reactivate, and spread throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Other organs, such as the liver, thyroid, or kidneys , are frequently affected. The neurotoxins produced by the EBV then destroy the body's own tissue . The misguided immune system reacts to this, producing antibodies against itself in an attempt to fight the virus.
Destruction of nervous system tissue can manifest as chronic fatigue syndrome.
However, if the reactivation occurs in the thyroid tissue, the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis can develop.
EBV and histamine: Is there a connection?
A reactivated Epstein-Barr virus can attach itself to the liver , among other organs, and thus put a strain on it. This, in turn, puts a strain on HNMT (histamine N-methyltransferase), which is located in the liver and is responsible for breaking down the body's own histamine . Therefore, it is particularly important to support the liver and, consequently, HNMT.
Furthermore, an immune system constantly activated by EBV leads to the continuous or intermittent activation of so-called mast cells. These cells are located in various parts of the body and can store and release histamine produced by the body.
Histamine release occurs primarily when the body is under potential danger or threat. An active or reactive Epstein-Barr virus represents such a threat and can therefore lead to increased mast cell activation and histamine release in the body, which can cause histamine-related symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, headaches, fatigue and exhaustion, rash, itching, hives, impaired concentration and vision, increased pain perception, and hypersensitivity.
Treatment options for those affected by EBV
An EBV infection or reactivation can be detected through a detailed blood analysis . This analysis can also identify the stage of the infection. Since there is no vaccine that protects against the virus, the immune system must be intensively protected to prevent reactivation from occurring even in the slightest stress .
The goal of individualized therapy is therefore to treat the regeneration of the disrupted immune system as well as the activation of the natural immune response. Healthy nutrition, sufficient sleep and exercise, mindfulness, stress reduction, and hygiene play an important role in this.
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