Natural killer cell deficiency associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma: a case report

Natural killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes that play important roles in immunity against viral infection. NK cell deficiency is associated with recurrent episodes of severe herpes group virus reactivation. Few cases of NK cell deficiency have been reported. Here, we report the case of a Taiwanese girl who had suffered from severe atopic dermatitis since infancy, and recurrent episodes of herpes virus reactivation since the age of 3 years old. NK cell deficiency was diagnosed based on the finding of persistently low NK cell counts in peripheral blood. Hodgkin's lymphoma developed when she was 6 years old. The present case suggests that NK cell deficiency may be an important risk factor in the development of Hodgkin's lymphoma.