Epstein-Barr virus-induced diseases in the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome and related disorders.

Information regarding the development of diverse diseases associated with EBV virus in immune deficient patients has been gained by studying males with XLP, and their families. Multiple immune defenses normally protect against the ubiquitous EBV. Depending on the type and degree of inherited or acquired immunodeficiency, EBV may more or less be capable of inducing a variety of diseases. Multiple methods may be needed to document EBV in the immune deficient individual. Rational approaches to prevention and intervention in EBV-induced diseases in immune compromised individuals are being developed.