title: Fatal hepatitis during Epstein-Barr virus reactivation.
abstract: Fulminant hepatitis by Epstein-Barr virus is a rare event which is predominantly due to primary infection. We report a rare case of fatal hepatic failure due to Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in a 19-year-old boy who was taking oral steroids. Transaminase peak and the fulminant course of the disease began soon after steroid interruption. Epstein-Barr virus reactivation was diagnosed on the basis of past clinical history of heterophile-positive infectious mononucleosis, a high titer of IgG anti Epstein-Barr virocapsidic antigen, slight elevation of anti-virocapsidic IgM, a high titer of anti-EA IgG antibodies and elevated viral load in serum measured by polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that Epstein-Barr virus should be considered as a possible etiological agent of fulminant hepatitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cacopardo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nunnari
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Mughini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tosto
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Benanti
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nigro
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005221:Fatigue / Q000150:complications; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014775:Virus Activation
chemical_list: D008775:Methylprednisolone