Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Establishment of Epstein-Barr Virus Growth-transformed Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
06:38

Establishment of Epstein-Barr Virus Growth-transformed Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines

Published on: November 8, 2011

Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis in Chinese children

Chun Wing Chan1, Alan Kwok Shing Chiang, Kwok Hung Chan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated infectious mononucleosis (IM) is common in Hong Kong children, peaking between 2-4 years. While generally mild, hepatitis risk increases with age in childhood IM patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is highly prevalent in Hong Kong children before age 10.
  • Clinical characteristics and complications of EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis (IM) in Chinese children remain underreported.
  • Understanding age-related differences in childhood IM is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the clinical presentation and complications of EBV-associated IM in Chinese children.
  • To investigate the relationship between age and the clinical features of childhood IM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 77 Chinese children diagnosed with primary EBV infection (IM).
  • Patients were categorized into four age groups: <2, 2-4, 5-9, and 10-15 years.
  • Evaluation of clinical, hematologic, and biochemical findings across different age groups.

Main Results:

  • EBV-associated IM occurred across all studied age groups, with peak incidence in children aged 2-4 years.
  • Common symptoms included fever, tonsillopharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly, similar to adult IM.
  • Hepatitis occurrence showed a significant association with increasing age (P=0.003).

Conclusions:

  • Childhood EBV-associated IM in Hong Kong Chinese children is common, presenting similarly to adults but with age-related variations in complications.
  • Marked lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes is a consistent hematologic finding.
  • The increased incidence of hepatitis with advancing age suggests age-dependent host immune responses to EBV.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection09:43

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Published on: March 30, 2018

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...