Harada N, Shibano I, Izuta Y, Kizawa Y, Shiragami H, Tsumura A, Ohji G, Mugitani A. Infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in an immunocompromised 60-year-old patient with COVID-19.
J Infect Chemother 2024;
30:1182-1185. [PMID:
38570136 DOI:
10.1016/j.jiac.2024.03.023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in COVID-19 patients has been reported, but studies on its clinical significance are lacking. We herein report the occurrence of infectious mononucleosis (IM) due to EBV reactivation in a 60-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis being treated with methotrexate and tocilizumab. The patient presented with a fever and tested positive for COVID-19. Laboratory findings revealed an increased atypical lymphocyte count, decreased platelet count, and elevated liver enzyme levels. Flow cytometry showed predominant expansion of reactive T cells. EBV reactivation was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patient was treated with remdesivir, and clinical improvement was observed after 10 days of treatment. Follow-up showed a gradual decrease in the EBV-DNA load with no recurrence of atypical lymphocytes. These findings suggest that COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients may lead to unexpected EBV reactivation and IM, even for patients outside the age at which IM is likely to occur.
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