Clinical Virology Programs

Studies on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis (mono)

Our research team has been studying EBV (the common cause of mono) in one form or another since 1981.

We’ve recently developed a series of protocols focused on the natural history, treatment, and risk factors for the severity of mono.

Mono 6

We’re testing a new, experimental drug to see how effective it is against the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the virus that causes mono. Participants will receive either the drug or placebo for three weeks. We’re looking to see if the drug makes students with mono better faster by reducing the amount of EBV they carry. This study is presently in data analysis and preliminary results have been reported recently. Click here for more information or here for the feature in the L.A. Times.

Mono 5

This study, which opened September 26, 2006, is designed to follow University of Minnesota freshmen who have never been infected by EBV for as long as 4 years to learn why some students get mono whereas others become infected by EBV but never get sick, and others never get infected. The point is to discover risk factors for severity, so that those who most need treatment are identified quickly and managed appropriately.

Mono 5a

This is a study that tests stored serum samples from subjects with clinical mono to characterize 6 different antibody responses and learn which one(s) is best for diagnosis and which correlate best with severity of illness.

Mono 4

Mono 4 is a study of students who have acute infectious mononucleosis to learn how an antiviral drug called valacyclovir affects the virus and the patient.

Mono 3

This is a 6-month study of healthy adults who were infected with EBV in the past to learn if they have detectable virus in their mouths and blood even though they seem entirely well.

Mono 2a

This is a study of valacyclovir for treatment of acute mono.

Mono 1

This study described the natural history of EBV and immune system interactions during acute mono. It was published in November 2005 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.