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Persistent hepatitis associated with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection
Akihiko Yuge1, Eiichi Kinoshita, Masako Moriuchi
1Department of Peditrics, Isahaya Hospital, Japan.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 27, 2004
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause persistent hepatitis in healthy children, even when initial tests are inconclusive. High EBV viremia levels in liver tissue indicate its role in unexplained liver inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis of unknown etiology presents a diagnostic challenge in pediatric cases.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common viral infection, typically associated with infectious mononucleosis.
Observation:
- A previously healthy boy presented with persistent hepatitis.
- The patient exhibited no fever or signs of lymphoproliferative disorder.
- Standard serologic tests for viral hepatitis were non-indicative.
Findings:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome and transcripts were identified in liver tissue.
- Real-time PCR revealed extremely high levels of EBV viremia.
- These findings suggest a direct role of EBV in the hepatitis.
Implications:
- EBV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hepatitis in children.
- Diagnostic approaches for hepatitis of unknown origin may need to include specific EBV molecular testing.
- This case highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of EBV infection beyond typical mononucleosis.