How does EBV mimic MS?

[skarey]

I've read on here several times that EBV can mimic MS.  Can someone please clarify this for me?  From what I know, EBV  causes fatigue, swollen painful lymph nodes, sore throat and fever.  Symptoms that aren't seen in MS except for the fatigue.  

I have a lot of neuro stuff going on but also have lymph pain, and painful joints.  All my tests are NEG except for having high EBV.  My dr really didn't think much of it though.   I've been tested for Lupus, MS, and Lyme all being negative except for my Quest WB showing 2 Reactive bands but not enough for a pure POS.  I've retested using IGenex and am waiting for results.

But I still keep coming back to EBV.  Could this be causing neuro symptoms and making me sick??  I've been sick for 3.5 months now.    I was also sick 2 years ago with the same type problems, but not near as severe as now.

Thanks in advance.

[skarey]

I had two reactive bands 30 IGG and 41 IGG.  The test was done by quest.  Retesting is being done at Igenex.  I'm anxiously waiting for the results.

I do know that EBV is thought to be a causing factor in MS, but I've also heard that EBV can cause neuro symptoms.  I'm just curious if someone could explain this to me because the typical EBV does not involve neuro manifestations.

thanks for your help.

[patientx]

I can't say for sure, but I don't think I have heard of EBV mimicking MS.  There's been much study into EBV possibly being a trigger for MS.  But the primary manifestation of EBV is mono.

Having said that, nearly everyone is exposed to EBV.  Many do not show any symptoms.  So, it's very possible that you showed IgG antibodies for EBV, which by themselves don't indicate much.

You mentioned the Lyme test.  Were the 2 reactive bands IgG or IgM?  Now, I'm not in the "everything is lyme" camp, but it is quite possible that you have the bacteria, and the not meeting the strict CDC criteria.  Painful joints are fairly common with lyme disease.  Maybe a trial of antibiotics would be useful.