EBV is a herpes virus that infects much of the general population, especially adults. Once infected, the virus persists in the person for life. It exists in a latent form in B-cell lymphocytes, replicating in the oropharynx. It is important to understand the EBV status in transplantation of both donor and recipient. Greatest risk is present when the recipient tests negative for the virus and the donor is positive, passing the virus to the recipient. Children are less likely to have been exposed to EBV and are potentially at greater risk for developing EBV infection post transplant. See also posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD).
Garfin, P.M. (2015). Posttransplant lymphoprliferative disease. Medscape. Retrieved from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/431364-overview