Infectious Mononucleosis Complicated With COVID-19.

Abstract

To the Editors: Fever of unknown origin in children remains a challenging diagnosis despite advances in modern diagnostic methodologies.1 Both infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are generally self-limiting diseases in immunocompetent individuals. However, there are limited reports on co- or sequential infections caused by these viruses in children. We present a case of a 4-year-old child who presented with fever of unknown origin and was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, complicated with COVID-19. A previously healthy 4-year-old boy presented with a chief complaint of fever that started 7 days before the visit. Accompanying symptoms included slight rhinorrhea and a single event of vomiting. Vital signs of the patient during admission were within normal limits with mild fever (37.8°C). On physical examination, no abnormal findings were noted. Complete blood cell count results were as follows: white blood cells, 5520/µL (segmented neutrophil 28.1%); hemoglobin, 11.5 g/dL; and platelet, 324,000/µL. The peripheral blood smear report revealed mild lymphocytosis with normal morphology and an absence of atypical lymphocytes. Levels of inflammatory markers were within normal limits. After admission, his fever gradually decreased to 38.0°C. However, he depicted a temperature of 39.0°C on hospital day (HD) no. 5. On HD no. 6, the patient showed slightly increased rhinorrhea, and the basal body temperature was gradually increasing up to 38.5°C. As the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for other respiratory viruses was negative, although the SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal (NP) PCR tests on HD no. 1 and HD no. 4 were negative, the patient underwent NP swab test on HD no. 6. The SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was positive. The next day, his fever soared up to 40.4°C. The test for EBV infection (VCA-IgM), which was negative on HD no. 1, was positive on HD no. 8. The patient’s fever diminished on HD no. 13 without specific medication, and he was discharged on HD no. 14. This case depicts a possible combination of the etiologies of fever in the COVID-19 pandemic. Coinfections of other respiratory viruses with COVID-19 have been frequently reported, although the degree varies among literature, and the clinical significance remains unclear.2 Despite several reports in adults, only 1 case report of COVID-19 and EBV coinfection in children has been published.3 However, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 was done by an antibody test in the previous case, which implies that COVID-19 could have been a past infection. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the coinfection of EBV and SARS-CoV-2 in a child. Repeated tests for SARS-CoV-2 in children are sometimes necessary. However, the decision to make timely tests is difficult, especially when the patient has complications of previous NP swab tests. In the present case, as the test result was positive, the caregivers felt reassured that the reworsening fever could be explained. Additionally, because of the test, infection control for COVID-19 was possible.4 Although the patient recovered perfectly, initially, we faced prognostic uncertainties.5 In the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that all possibilities should be considered in managing common and nearly well-known diseases.