Association and Interaction of Epstein–Barr Virus with SARS-CoV-2 Infection—A Review

TL;DR

This paper reviews how Epstein-Barr virus reactivation may worsen Long COVID symptoms and explores potential treatments.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of EBV reactivation's role in Long COVID and highlights novel therapeutic approaches.

Findings

EBV reactivation is linked to prolonged and severe Long COVID symptoms.

Limited studies suggest a need for further exploration of EBV's pathophysiology in Long COVID.

Novel therapeutics targeting EBV are being explored for post-COVID-19 patients.

Abstract

Despite the significant decrease in SARS-CoV-2-related mortality, COVID-19 continues to impose a high public health burden due to the high rate of post-COVID-19 pathological conditions, broadly termed Long COVID, that continue for any period of time and are generally multisystemic. However, recent studies have strengthened the evidence that the reactivation of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in the post-COVID-19 era has significantly contributed to the exacerbation and prolongation of Long COVID symptoms. The mechanism and pathophysiology of EBV reactivation in Long COVID patients still need further exploration due to limited studies. This review summarises the various studies linking EBV reactivation in Long COVID along with its pathophysiology and novel therapeutics for EBV in a post-COVID-19 era.

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