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Published on: November 8, 2011
Infant Facial Paralysis Associated with Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Marta E Álvarez-Argüelles1, Susana Rojo-Alba1, Mercedes Rodríguez Pérez1
1Department of Microbiology, Unit of Virology, Central University Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
Insights
Peripheral facial paralysis in infants can stem from infections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Early diagnosis of viral causes is crucial for effective management and preventing long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Peripheral facial paralysis presents a diagnostic challenge in pediatric patients.
- Etiologies range from congenital and neurological to infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, or metabolic origins.
- While often benign, prompt diagnosis is essential for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A case report details a 23-month-old male infant with peripheral facial paralysis.
- Symptoms were linked to an upper respiratory infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- Diagnostic findings included leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, stimulated lymphocytes, and positive serology for recent EBV infection.
Findings:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome was detected in both pharyngeal swab and serum samples.
- Viral load measurements confirmed EBV presence: 5.08 log copies/1000 cells in swabs and 3.72 log copies/mL in serum.
- Serological tests indicated recent EBV infection with positive IgM anti-VCA and negative IgG anti-VCA/anti-EBNA.
Implications:
- This case highlights viral infections, specifically EBV, as a potential cause of peripheral facial paralysis in children.
- Early etiological determination is critical for timely and effective treatment strategies.
- Prompt diagnosis and management aid in evaluating treatment response and preventing permanent sequelae.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Peripheral facial paralysis is a clinical presentation which, in most cases, is benign. It is relatively frequent, although less so in pediatric patients, where clinical diagnosis is more difficult. This clinical condition can be congenital, neurological, infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, or metabolic in origin. CASE REPORT This report describes the case of a male infant of 23 months of age with peripheral facial paralysis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) upper respiratory infection. A hemogram showed the presence of leukocytosis and lymphocytosis, and a peripheral blood smear indicated the presence of stimulated lymphocytes. Serological tests were compatible with recent EBV infection: IgM anti-VCA (capsid antigen) was positive, while IgG anti-VCA and anti-EBNA (nuclear antigen) were negative. EBV genome was detected in pharyngeal swab and in serum, where viral load was 5.08 log copies/1000 cells and 3.72 log copies/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Whilst the most common cause of facial paralysis is idiopathic paralysis, such problems of the facial nerve may have many origins, including an infectious nature such as infection with viral agents. Rapid determination of the etiology of the problem allows the most appropriate management of the condition and quick follow-up to be implemented, which is essential for the evaluation of treatment response and the avoidance of permanent consequences.
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