Characteristics of self-regulation of the epidemic process of infection caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (Herpesviridae: <i>Lymphocryptovirus</i>, HHV-4)

Abstract

Introduction. Among the available scientific literature, there are no publications addressing processes of self-regulation in the parasite-host population systems with reference to chronic infections, including the infection caused by the EpsteinBarr virus (EBV infection). The aim of the study is to assess manifestations of the epidemic process of chronic EBV infection through the lens of the basic tenets of the theory of self-regulation of parasitic systems. Materials and methods. The study was performed using data from scientific publications selected from such database sources as Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CyberLeninka, RSCI, etc. The list of analyzed publications included published articles of the authors of this study, reporting the results of the retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of infectious mononucleosis in Russia in general and in Moscow in particular, as well as the results of the laboratory tests regarding the detection frequency of specific antibodies to EBV proteins. Results. The chronic course of EBV infection promotes a close long-term interaction between the pathogen and the host. The genetic variability of the pathogen and the functions of specific and nonspecific human immune defense systems play a key role in the interaction between two heterogeneous populations and underlie their phasal self-transformation. A variety of social and natural factors (adverse chemical, physical, biological, climatic impacts, etc.) trigger the reactivation of chronic EBV infection, thus providing the continuous existence of additional sources of infection in the host population. Conclusion. The analysis of the manifestations of chronic EBV infection in the context of the theory of self-regulation of parasitic systems promotes the understanding of the factors underlying the unevenness of its epidemic process. The obtained data can be adjusted for other infections having similar transmission mechanisms and virus life cycles (including other herpes infections) to map out strategies to control the epidemic process of chronic infections spread by aerosol transmission of the pathogen.