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Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells
Published on: September 18, 2016
EBV-associated colitis mimicking IBD in an immunocompetent individual
Jordan J Karlitz1, S Tammy Li, Robert P Holman
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL35, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) colitis, a rare condition, was diagnosed in an immunocompetent adult presenting with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. This case highlights EBV lymphoproliferative disorder as a differential diagnosis for inflammatory bowel disease mimics.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- A 30-year-old immunocompetent male presented with a two-month history of lower abdominal bloating and bloody, mucoid diarrhea.
- Initial clinical suspicion pointed towards Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Observation:
- The patient required hospitalization due to symptom progression.
- Diagnostic investigations included comprehensive blood work, stool studies, imaging (abdominal CT), and colonoscopy with biopsies.
Findings:
- Biopsy analysis revealed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorder with diffuse colonic involvement, diagnosed as EBV colitis.
- This diagnosis was confirmed via PCR analysis and immunoperoxidase staining.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering EBV colitis in immunocompetent adults with symptoms mimicking IBD.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to differentiate from other gastrointestinal disorders.
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