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Mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in children: a comparative study of 124 cases
A Lajo1, C Borque, F Del Castillo
1La Paz Children's Hospital, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
We present 124 children who had mononucleosis. The patients were selected according to strict clinical features. Twenty (16.1%) of the 124 children were proved to have cytomegalovirus mononucleosis and 104 (83.8%) children had Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis. The symptoms were similar in both groups. Significant differences were found only for the presence of cervical lymphadenopathy, which was more frequent in the Epstein-Barr group (83.2%) compared with the cytomegalovirus group (75%). Fever was the most frequent symptom in both groups. Cytomegalovirus mononucleosis was significantly more frequent in children younger than 4 years.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus cause mononucleosis in children, with similar symptoms. Cytomegalovirus mononucleosis is more common in children under 4 years old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis is a common syndrome in childhood.
- Distinguishing between viral causes is important for understanding disease presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mononucleosis in children.
- To identify demographic or clinical differences between CMV and EBV mononucleosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 124 pediatric patients diagnosed with mononucleosis.
- Patients selected based on strict clinical criteria.
- Etiological diagnosis confirmed by laboratory testing for CMV and EBV.
Main Results:
- 16.1% of cases were CMV mononucleosis, 83.8% were EBV mononucleosis.
- Fever was the most common symptom in both groups.
- Cervical lymphadenopathy was more frequent in EBV mononucleosis (83.2%) than CMV mononucleosis (75%).
- CMV mononucleosis was significantly more prevalent in children younger than 4 years.
Conclusions:
- EBV is the predominant cause of mononucleosis in the studied pediatric population.
- Clinical symptoms are largely similar between CMV and EBV mononucleosis.
- Age is a significant factor, with younger children more likely to have CMV mononucleosis.