Where does Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) primarily infect?

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) primarily infects the oropharyngeal epithelium and B-lymphocytes in the immune system, particularly those located in the tonsils and lymphoid tissue. The virus is primarily transmitted through saliva, which is why it is often associated with conditions like infectious mononucleosis.

While the liver can be affected in cases of EBV infection, such as during infectious mononucleosis where liver function tests may show mild elevations due to hepatitis, the primary sites of EBV infection are not the liver itself. Bone marrow can be involved indirectly through the infection of B cells, but it is not the primary site of infection. Similarly, the kidneys and intestines do not play a major role in the primary pathogenesis of EBV. Therefore, focusing on the primary infection mechanisms and the key tissues involved in EBV pathophysiology helps pinpoint the correct context for the infection.