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Treatment for chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Infectious Diseases | Last Active: Apr 24 10:52pm | Replies (608)Comment receiving replies
I have had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis for many years. A little over four years ago I was diagnosed with EBV. It has since been diagnosed as Chronic Active EBV. I am 73 years old, female. It has never gone dormant. Has always been active, and my numbers are very high. My antibodies are greater than 750. Have also had many, many health issues. Would a stem cell transplant help? We live in a rural area in Hillsboro, Tn. therefore there are no specialists close to us. My doctor has been in touch with two in nearby cities, but they do not treat what I have. Also, what is the life expectancy? Thanks for any info.
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Hi, @sfdm13 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! In this community based forum, we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose health problems or prescribe treatments. We’re members just like you who share personal experiences and insights to help find answers, give suggestions and offer encouragement.
Epstein-Barre Virus is another of those pesky, tiny viruses that can cause a world hurt… It’s so prevalent, that from what I’m reading, 95% of the world’s population carry this virus. However, most people can have the virus but their immune system keeps it in check. It’s the underlying root-cause for mononucleosis and can pose chronic issues for anyone with a weakened immune system.
You also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system creates antibodies that damage your thyroid gland. The symptoms from both of those diseases look like they overlap and have to be exhausting for you! No wonder you’re trying everything you can to find a solution! I’m so sorry for what you’re having to go through.
I had a stem cell transplant for an aggressive leukemia and EBV is one of the most dangerous side effects of the transplant should it become active. I’ve been doing a bit of research since seeing your question regarding the use of a SCT to treat EBV. And most articles are about treatment of the EBV-Post transplant for people with either hard tissue transplants or bone marrow.
There were only 2 research papers I could find that mentioned SCT as a treatment for EBV but then I couldn’t find any current information; one dated 2002, another 2009. What I can tell you is that a SCT is arduous and not without its own risks and side effects.
Where did you hear about using SCT to treat EBV? Are you being given any medications for EPV symptoms? Here is a link to our EBV discussion group.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/treatment-for-chronic-epstein-barr/Are you under current treatments for Hashimoto’s? We have several discussions in the Autoimmune disease group regarding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and treatments.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hypothyroidism-vs-hashimotos/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855