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[Infectious mononucleosis in children]
F del Castillo1, A Lajo, R Zapico
1Clínica Infantil La Paz, Madrid.
Insights
Infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus shows similar clinical progression across age groups, with splenomegaly more frequent in young children. Antibody responses vary with age, particularly the Davinson test.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Context:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus.
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common clinical syndrome associated with primary EBV infection.
- Age-related differences in IM presentation and serological response are not fully elucidated.
Purpose:
- To investigate clinical and serological differences in infectious mononucleosis (IM) between children under and over 4 years of age.
- To analyze the prevalence of specific antibody responses to EBV in different pediatric age groups.
Summary:
- A study of 50 infectious mononucleosis cases found no significant clinical differences between age groups, except for increased splenomegaly in children under 4.
- Serological testing revealed a notable age-dependent increase in positive Davinson tests, from 15.3% in those under 4 to 80% in those over 5.
- IgG and IgM antibody prevalence showed less significant age-related variation, with IgG positive in 86% and IgM in 66% of cases.
Impact:
- Findings highlight potential age-specific clinical presentations of EBV infection in children.
- Demonstrates the utility of age-stratified serological marker interpretation for EBV diagnosis in pediatric populations.
- Informs clinical management and diagnostic strategies for infectious mononucleosis in diverse pediatric age groups.
Abstract:
50 cases of infectious mononucleosis by Epstein-Barr virus were studied in patients over and under 4 years age. Clinical evolution did not show any statistical differences between both age groups, except for splenomegalia which was more common in children under 4. Serology was divided into 3 groups: children under 4 year, between 4 and 5 and those over 5 years of age. First group exhibited a positive Davinsonh test in 15.3% of cases; second group in 33.3% and third in 80%. IgG antibodies against virus capsid were positive in 86% of cases with an equal distribution according to age groups. IgM antibodies were positive in 66%, not exhibiting any disparity in age groups.