Concurrent infectious mononucleosis and measles: a potentially life-threatening association sharing underlying immunodeficiency
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Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
Roberto Manfredi1, Olga V Coronado, Antonio Mastroianni
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
We report lethal interstitial pneumonia in an 18-year-old young man with measles infection following recent infectious mononucleosis. We speculate that the documented T cell immune impairment caused by the concurrent Epstein-Barr and measles viral infections (as expressed by a proportionately low CD4+ lymphocyte count) was responsible for the complicated clinical course and unfavorable outcome.
Insights
Measles infection complicated an 18-year-old
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Measles infection can cause severe complications.
- Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus, can lead to immune alterations.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male presented with measles infection.
- The patient had a recent history of infectious mononucleosis.
Findings:
- The patient developed lethal interstitial pneumonia.
- Concurrent measles and Epstein-Barr virus infections were noted.
- A low CD4+ lymphocyte count indicated T cell immune impairment.
Implications:
- Concurrent viral infections can exacerbate immune deficiency.
- T cell impairment may lead to severe outcomes in measles patients.
- This case highlights the importance of considering immune status in viral infections.
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