A 16-month-old boy with infectious mononucleosis, parotitis and Bell's palsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Infectious mononucleosis, commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), typically presents with fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.
• Neurological complications of EBV infection are rare but can include facial nerve palsy.

Observation:

• A case study of a 16-month-old boy diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis is presented.
• The child developed bilateral parotitis (inflammation of the salivary glands) and unilateral Bell's palsy (sudden facial paralysis).

Findings:

• Diagnosis of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection was confirmed through serological tests detecting specific antibodies.
• Other viral infections were ruled out by negative serological tests.
• The Bell's palsy resolved within three months.
• Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis and parotitis persisted for three weeks.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential neurological and glandular manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus in young children.
• It underscores the importance of considering EBV as a cause of Bell's palsy and parotitis in pediatric infectious mononucleosis.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking EBV to these complications.