Modeling the dynamics of virus shedding into the saliva of Epstein-Barr virus positive individuals

► We model virus shedding into saliva of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive individuals. ► Target cells are susceptible to virus released from B cells and epithelial cells. ► Stochastic variation in the number of target cells susceptible to B-cell virus can explain the data. ► Infection of epithelial cells can account for high level of virus shedding. ► Clearance of virus shedding is possible only when there is no virus reactivation from B cells.