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Kawasaki disease and Epstein-Barr virus
H Kikuta1, S Matsumoto, T Osato
1Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Japan.
Acta Paediatrica Japonica : Overseas Edition
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection is common in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients, with EBV DNA frequently detected in blood cells. This suggests an unusual EBV-cell interaction in KD.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitis affecting young children.
- The etiology of KD remains unknown, with infectious agents being investigated.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus with diverse clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD).
- To determine the prevalence and timing of primary EBV infection in KD patients using serological and molecular methods.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) was performed.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect EBV DNA sequences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
- Virological studies were conducted on KD patients and compared to control groups.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of KD patients (86%) and recurrent KD patients (68%) showed serological evidence of primary EBV infection within the first month of illness.
- EBV DNA was detected in 56% of KD patients' PBMC within 2 weeks of onset, and in 83% of repeatedly tested patients within 3 months.
- In contrast, only 18% of control samples were PCR-positive for EBV DNA.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a significant association between primary EBV infection and Kawasaki disease.
- An unusual interaction between EBV and host cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of KD.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms of this EBV-KD interaction.