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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
09:14
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
Epstein-Barr virus infection presenting as cholestatic jaundice
Adira Sabah1, Shamsudeen Moideen2, Shreevidhya Sreedhar3
1Junior Resident, General Medicine, Iqraa International Hospital and Research Centre, Calicut, Kerala, India.
Tropical Doctor
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, typically causing mononucleosis, can rarely manifest as cholestatic jaundice. This case report emphasizes considering EBV in diagnosing jaundice when other causes are ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection commonly causes infectious mononucleosis.
- Cholestatic jaundice is an unusual presentation of EBV infection.
- Differential diagnosis of cholestatic jaundice includes various liver and biliary pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of cholestatic jaundice secondary to Epstein-Barr virus infection.
- To highlight the importance of considering EBV in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cholestatic jaundice.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 36-year-old male patient.
- Clinical presentation: progressive jaundice, pruritus, dark urine.
- Laboratory investigations: liver function tests (cholestatic pattern), atypical lymphocytosis, EBV IgM serology.
- Exclusion of biliary obstruction and other common causes of hepatitis.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited a cholestatic pattern of liver injury.
- Atypical lymphocytosis and positive EBV IgM antibodies confirmed EBV infection.
- No biliary obstruction or other hepatitis causes were identified.
- The patient's condition improved with supportive care only.
Conclusions:
- Epstein-Barr virus infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cholestatic jaundice.
- This case underscores the diverse clinical manifestations of EBV.
- Supportive management was effective in this patient with EBV-induced cholestatic jaundice.
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