EBV as the cause of fever of unknown origin in children

Abstract

EBV is a human herpesvirus which is ubiquitous in nature and infects most of the world population. Children mostly acquire primary EBV infection from close contact that involves exchange of oral secretions. Primary EBV infection in children may go undetected as it is often asymptomatic or is presented with atypical or partial Infectious Mononucleosis syndrome. This study aimed to highlight the role of primary EBV as a cause of Fever of Unknown Origin in childhood. Fever resulted the most common symptom of IM in 97% of children, it was of long duration and correlated with the massive lymphocytosis of primary EBV infection in children. Primary EBV infection is a potential cause of Fever of Unknown Origin in Children.