Role of Epstein-Barr virus in acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

We have reviewed the biologic characteristics, immune responses, and diverse array of diseases occurring from Epstein-Barr virus infections in immune deficient patients. We have summarized possible roles of the virus in the risk groups for AIDS. Data is convincing that EBV is responsible for some of the cases of lymphadenomegaly and Burkitt-like, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in patients with pre-AIDS and AIDS. A hypothesis has been proposed wherein EBV and other stimulants of B and T cells allow productive infection by the retrovirus and spread of HTLV-III throughout the helper T cell populations.