Late sequelae of Pfeiffer's glandular fever
introduction
Pfeiffer's glandular fever is a worldwide disease caused by the Epstein Barr virus. During the disease phase itself, typical symptoms such as inflammation of the tonsils, lymph node swelling and high fever occur. The late effects of Pfeiffer's glandular fever, which can occur even after the viral disease has healed relatively, are not known to everyone. One reason for this is that complications and long-term effects only affect a minimal proportion of those affected. In Germany, the infection rate of the virus at the age of 40 is almost 100%.
These can be the long-term consequences
After entering the human organism, the Epstein Barr Virus attacks human B lymphocytes.
In these it multiplies and persists even after the disease has healed. The virus can basically break out again at any time or become chronic if the immune system is severely weakened and can no longer control the virus.
Furthermore, it was the Epstein Barr Virus, which was the first virus to be proven to be carcinogenic. So many years after being infected with the pathogen, a series of meetings can lead to cancer. But even just going through Pfeiffer's disease can, in very rare cases, lead to consequences in certain organs years after the onset of the disease. The liver, spleen, brain or the immune system itself can be affected. In some cases, fatigue, characteristic of infectious mononucleosis, is reported long after the other clinical symptoms have subsided.
Long-term effects on the liver
During the fresh infection with the Epstein Barr virus and the outbreak of the disease, liver involvement and enlargement can occur.
The liver values, which indicate liver cell damage, are increased in some cases and confirm this disease process. A possible liver inflammation, i.e. hepatitis, heals in the majority of cases without any further consequences. In the worst case, however, this can mean long-term consequences for the liver, for example through liver cirrhosis, chronic impairment of function or chronic hepatitis.
Long-term consequences for the spleen
A very small proportion of people suffering from glandular fever can rupture the spleen. The spleen as a lymphatic organ can be reactively enlarged during the illness. The exact size can be examined using ultrasound.
The second or third week of illness is at greatest risk of rupture, as the patient feels better and starts activity again. If the spleen is ruptured and permanently damaged or had to be removed, this means that the patient is more susceptible to certain pathogens.
Read more on this topic at: Rupture of the spleen
Long-term effects on the brain
In severe cases of glandular fever, the central nervous system can be involved. This can show up through a new onset of seizures, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell's syndrome, myelitis, encephalitis, meningitis or cranial nerve paralysis.
If the nervous system is irreversibly damaged during one of these symptoms, permanent impairments can persist even after the illness. Scar tissue in the brain can further lead to cramps, possible paralysis can persist and inflammatory processes in the brain can permanently damage hearing, cognition or eyesight.
Long-term consequences for the immune system
Since the pathogens of Pfeiffer's glandular fever directly attack the immune cells of the human body, multiply there and remain there even after the disease, one can speak of a lifelong persistence in the body.
If the immune system remains intact, it can control the virus in the B lymphocytes. If the immune system is damaged by other factors, for example in the case of an HIV infection, the virus can be reactivated. It has also been found that the function of the immune system can be weakened by the Epstein Barr virus and that certain types of cancer associated with it can occur more frequently in some areas of Africa or Asia.
Please also read the following article: How can you strengthen the immune system?
Fatigue as a long-term consequence
Characteristic for the typical course of a Pfeiffer's glandular fever is the pronounced fatigue over the period of the illness. In some cases this pronounced physical weakness can also occur after the other symptoms have healed.
The patients describe a state of constant tiredness that does not improve even with bed rest. Sleep in particular is not perceived as relaxing and normal everyday activities require more effort than usual. No organic cause has yet been established for this symptom.
Read more on this topic at: Always tired - what can I do?
Depression as a long-term consequence
It has been found that some viruses are directly related to the clinical picture of depression. One of these viruses is also the Epstein Barr virus, which causes Pfeiffer's glandular fever.
Particularly in connection with the chronic fatigue syndrome, in some cases the occurrence of listlessness, loss of motivation for activities and thought circles that have been enjoyed so far is described. In this case, there should be no hesitation in consulting a doctor and beginning psychotherapy.
Read more about this at: Signs of depression or Therapy for depression
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
A previous Pfeiffer fever is very often associated with a chronic fatigue syndrome.
The chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, defines in medicine a state of prolonged, extraordinary fatigue. This occurs mainly after physical activity and is restrictive for the person concerned in his life activity.
Pathologies can be found in the immune system, in the regulation of hormones and in a malfunction of the nervous system. Scientists suspect that chronic fatigue syndrome is initiated by an infection, such as the Epstein Barr virus.
What are the long-term effects related to sport?
After the symptoms of Pfeiffer's glandular fever have healed, some parameters should be finally examined by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the disease, before sport is restarted.
This is how the spleen and liver size should be determined. The previously pathological parameters in the blood test can also be re-examined.
If there was anemia (anemia) as part of Pfeiffer's glandular fever, this can significantly reduce the stress during exercise. Overall, however, many patients also report a lengthy period of training until the previous fitness level from before the illness is achieved again.
You may also be interested in the following article: Always tired - what can I do?
