Epstein–Barr virus Med.
(ɛpstaɪnbɑː)
[f. the names of M. A. Epstein (b. 1921), British virologist, and Y. M. Barr (now Balding) (b. 1932), Irish-born virologist.]
An enveloped DNA herpes virus which causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
| 1968 Biol. Abstr. XLIX. 6557/1 Specific immunofluorescence test for the herpes-type EB (Epstein–Barr) virus of Burkitt lymphoblasts. 1970 New Scientist 22 Oct. 162 Added to the evidence linking the Epstein–Barr virus with Burkitt's lymphoma,..this result will strengthen the growing conviction that viruses are an essential causal determinant for human cancer. 1985 Sci. Amer. Dec. 76/3 Infection with hepatitis B, Epstein–Barr virus or cytomegalo-virus is common among several of the groups at risk from AIDS. |