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Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus coinfection in three toddlers with prolonged illnesses

Yoshinori Ito1, Yukiko Shibata-Watanabe, Jun-ichi Kawada

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. yoshi-i@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp

Journal of Medical Virology
|June 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Coinfection with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause prolonged illness in toddlers. This study highlights three cases of toddler coinfection, suggesting a significant clinical impact that may be underestimated.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are common childhood viruses causing primary and latent infections.
  • Coinfection with CMV and EBV occasionally occurs in children, but its clinical significance is not well-established.

Observation:

  • This report details three toddler cases of concurrent CMV and EBV infections.
  • The affected toddlers presented with prolonged illnesses, including infectious mononucleosis, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and acute hepatitis.

Findings:

  • Serial testing indicated primary infections with both CMV and EBV in all three patients.
  • High viral loads of EBV (exceeding 6.4 x 10^3 copies/ml) and CMV (exceeding 8.8 x 10^2 copies/ml) were detected in early disease stages.
  • These findings suggest a strong association between the viral coinfection and the observed clinical conditions.

Implications:

  • Recognizing and diagnosing CMV-EBV coinfection in toddlers is crucial.
  • Coinfection may significantly modulate disease presentation and duration in young children.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical impact and management of this coinfection.

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