Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Published on: March 30, 2018
Infectious Mononucleosis: A Case Report With Unusual Features and Abnormal Laboratory Findings
Ammar Alli1,2, Farah Nabil3, Juan Fernando Ortiz4,5
1Internal Medicine, Tishreen University Faculty of Medicine, Latakia, SYR.
Abstract:
Despite the widespread Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections, we continue to see new reports with strange and unusual manifestations of the infection, which raises the question of how well we understand this pathogen. The age of contracting the infection is increasing in developed countries, which is changing the clinical presentation of those who get infected during their adolescence or early adulthood. In these stages, liver involvement is more prominent, and other physical symptoms are less apparent. Therefore, an update on infectious mononucleosis (IM) variable manifestation is required to make healthcare providers aware of this shift. This case stands as an example of the new shift as a patient scheduled for elective surgery suddenly presented with subclinical hepatitis caused by primary EBV infection. Our patient presented with few physical symptoms but had a classical picture of EBV-induced hepatitis on blood analysis. The diagnosis was missed by many physicians due to the varied presentations of IM. This case corresponds to the new evidence that suggests that hepatic involvement is one of the most prominent manifestation in the adult population with primary EBV infection.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are increasingly presenting with prominent liver involvement, especially in adults. This shift in clinical presentation necessitates greater awareness among healthcare providers regarding infectious mononucleosis (IM) variations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus responsible for infectious mononucleosis (IM).
- Traditionally, IM presents with pharyngitis, fever, and lymphadenopathy, but atypical presentations are increasingly reported.
- The age of primary EBV infection acquisition is shifting towards adolescence and early adulthood in developed nations.
Observation:
- A case of subclinical hepatitis due to primary EBV infection in a patient scheduled for elective surgery is presented.
- The patient exhibited minimal physical symptoms but showed characteristic biochemical evidence of hepatitis.
- Diagnosis was challenging due to the subtle presentation and varied clinical manifestations of IM.
Findings:
- Primary EBV infection in adults can manifest predominantly as hepatitis, with other typical IM symptoms being less apparent.
- Biochemical analysis revealed a classical pattern of EBV-induced hepatitis.
- This case highlights the evolving clinical spectrum of EBV infection.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers need updated awareness of the changing clinical presentation of IM, particularly the increased prominence of hepatic involvement in adults.
- Early recognition of EBV-induced hepatitis is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Further research into the epidemiology and clinical variations of EBV is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease