Cholestatic Hepatitis Induced by Epstein-Barr Virus in Childhood

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection is a common disease in childhood, and in most cases it is self-limiting. But EBV-induced hepatitis with cholestasis in children is an extremely rare phenomenon. We presented a clinical case of a 5-year-old boy suffering from fatigue, fever, rash, swollen lymph node and darkening of the urine. A slight hepatomegaly and an insignificant icter were observed during the patient’s examination. The laboratory tests showed elevated transaminase levels, hyperbilirubinemia and elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase levels. The abdominal sonography showed moderate hepatomegaly. The EB immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody test was positive; the serological tests for other kinds of viral hepatitis were negative. With this study, we emphasized the need to consider the EBV infection in the differential diagnosis of cholestatic hepatitis in childhood.

Clin Infect Immun. 2020;5(1):4-6
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cii96