Epstein-Barr Virus Encephalitis in Infancy

Abstract

infection (4). Therefore, EBV has to be considered in a variety of acute neurologic illnesses. Although EBV encephalitis is a well-known entity, it is extremely rare under one year of age. Here, we report a 10-month old infant with EBV encephalitis. CASE REPORTA 10-month old male child was admitted with a three-day history of febrile infection and seizures. Physical examination revealed a temperature of 38.7˚C, blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg, pulse rate of 120/minute and respiratory rate of 36/minute. The patient was confused. There were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and membranous tonsillitis. A complete blood count showed haematocrit of 24%, white blood cell (WBC) count of 22 000 cells/µL (58% neutrophils, 32% lymphocytes, 8% monocytes), and a platelet count of 155 000 cells/µL. A few atypical lymphocytes were observed in his blood smear. Blood chemistries including transaminases and a chest radiogram were normal. Meningitis was suspected and a lumbar puncture was performed revealing 50 Epstein-Barr Virus Encephalitis in Infancy

Cranial nerve III and/or VI function abnormalities associated with active herpesvirus infection: Clinical experience and literature review

“…The precise mechanism of EBV infection of CNS cells has yet to be elucidated. Previously suggested mechanisms include direct viral invasion, secondary autoimmune response, and the mechanism mediated through immune system responses [47][48][49]. Primary EBV infection causes infectious mononucleosis [50].…”

Transient bilateral striatal lesion associated with varicella infection

“…Another disorder that affects the basal ganglia bilaterally is Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis. However, a diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis is made on the basis of the detection of the virus through polymerase chain reaction and positivity for immunoglobulin M in cerebrospinal fluid or blood samples ( 6 ) , neither of which were identified in our case.…”