Fulminant infectious mononucleosis and recurrent Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in an adolescent

Clin Infect Dis. 2010 Mar 15;50(6):e34-7. doi: 10.1086/650007.

Abstract

We describe a unique case of fulminant infectious mononucleosis and recurrent Epstein-Barr virus reactivation presenting in an adolescent. Detailed assays of Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cell immunity revealed defects in the patient's T cell receptor signalling pathway characterized by a lack of interleukin-2 and CD25 expression, which may have contributed to her clinical course. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation reversed the clinical and laboratory phenotype.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / diagnosis*
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / immunology*
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / therapy
  • Interleukin-2 / deficiency
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / deficiency
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / deficiency
  • Recurrence
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Virus Activation*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell