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An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
09:43

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Published on: March 30, 2018

Pediatric Epstein-Barr virus-associated encephalitis: 10-year review

Asif Doja1, Ari Bitnun, Elizabeth Lee Ford Jones

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, ON, Canada.

Journal of Child Neurology
|August 12, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause encephalitis in children, often without classic infectious mononucleosis symptoms. Early diagnosis using serology and PCR is crucial for recovery, though severe outcomes are possible.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to cause various neurological conditions.
  • Acute encephalitis in children requires prompt diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize cases of Epstein-Barr virus-associated encephalitis in children from a 10-year prospective registry.
  • To analyze clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of EBV encephalitis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of a prospective registry of children with acute encephalitis (1994-2003).
  • Identification of EBV-associated cases through serology and cerebrospinal fluid PCR.
  • Analysis of clinical data, EEG, MRI, and follow-up outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-one children (6%) had EBV encephalitis, with a median age of 13.
  • Most presented with nonspecific symptoms like fever and headache, not classic infectious mononucleosis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and abnormal MRI findings were common; 2 patients died, 2 had deficits.

Conclusions:

  • EBV encephalitis in children often lacks typical infectious mononucleosis symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
  • A combination of serologic and molecular tests is recommended for diagnosing EBV encephalitis.
  • While most children recover fully, neurological sequelae and mortality can occur.

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