[Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection in an adult]

A chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) following infectious mononucleosis in a 58 years old woman is reported. The disease lasted for one year, and in spite of an intensive search for its cause, was diagnosed only at the 8th months since its onset. A low frequency of CAEBV in caucasians and patient's age were likely responsible for the belated diagnosis. The disease presented with a high, intermittent fever, general lymphoadenopathy, splenomegalia, hypoalbuminemia, polyclonal gamma globulinemia and malaise. Starting from the 6th month, i.e. before the diagnosis was established, a high dose oral therapy with methylprednisolone was introduced. The improvement was significant but the disease recurred after drug withdrawal. Nevertheless its course was milder. At the 8th month since the disease onset elevated antibody to viral capsid antigen (VCA) together with antibody to early antigen (EA) and nuclear antigen (EBNA) were still found in patient's blood. DNA of EBV was detected by PCR in patient's blood and saliva. The patient recovered completely after one year, and as of today i.e. June 2009, is feeling well. A likely cause of the successful steroid therapy is discussed. A review part of the article describes etiopathogenesis, complications, occurrence and treatment of CAEBV, as well as its relation to various lymphoproliferation disorders.