Demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in a previously healthy boy with fulminant hepatic failure

A previously healthy 9-year-old boy died from acute liver failure during an acute Epstein-Barr virus infection. Epstein-Barr virus DNA could be demonstrated in the liver by Southern blot--and by in situ hybridization techniques. The identification of the virus in the liver suggests a causal relation between the Epstein-Barr virus and the acute massive liver cell necrosis.