Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in early childhood.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1981. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in early childhood.

Arch Dis Child. 1981 Jan;56(1):49-52. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/81132283
Krabbe S; Hesse J; Uldall P

Abstract: In a prospective study 43 consecutive children in hospital, aged between 6 months and 7 years and displaying at least one of the clinical signs of infectious mononucleosis (IM), were investigated for Epstein-Barr (EB) virus-specific IgM antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescence test. On this basis EB virus infection was considered confirmed in 8 patients, each of whom had IgM antibodies in the initial serum sample. In one additional patient, IgM antibodies were only detected in a second sample. The IgM antibodies disappeared with 3-11 weeks. Assessment of IgG antibodies had no diagnostic value in the acute phase of IM. Clinically the 3 youngest children, about 1 year of age, were diagnosed as having pneumonia or hepatitis, the 5 other consecutive patients as having IM. Hepatosplenomegaly was fairly frequently associated with IM, while sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and rash were often signs of other diseases. Only the oldest child had heterophil antibodies. Atypical lymphocytes (greater than 10%) were present in 4 of the 9 IM cases and were seen in children with other diseases as well. Our data stress the importance of measuring EB virus-specific IgM antibodies in order to diagnose IM in early childhood.

Keywords: Antibodies, Viral/ANALYSIS Antibody Specificity Child Child, Preschool Female Herpesvirus 4, Human/IMMUNOLOGY Human IgM/ANALYSIS Infant Infectious Mononucleosis/*DIAGNOSIS Male Prospective Studies JOURNAL ARTICLE
810630
M8160001

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1981. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1981. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .