A fatal case of Epstein-Barr virus infection with jaundice and renal failure

A fatal case of Epstein-Barr virus infection in a 17-year-old male is described. The patient presented with an illness clinically typical of infectious mononucleosis but death followed development of renal failure, jaundice and pulmonary failure. There was no absolute lymphocytosis nor a significant number of atypical mononuclear cells in his peripheral blood. However, heterophile antibody and Epstein-Barr virus-specific IgM were present.