[Severe bronchopneumonia in children: can Epstein-Barr virus serology be misleading?].
We report the cases of two young immunocompetent children with bronchopneumonia associating disabling, spastic cough and severe hypoxemia. In both patients, a primary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection had been suggested based on EBV presence in nasal secretions and a positive serology with anti-VCA immunoglobulin M. Nevertheless, the diagnosis was not confirmed. We discuss the problems confirming EBV responsibility in acute respiratory infections and the pitfalls of diagnostic tests.
Unité de médecine infantile, CHU de la Timone-Enfants, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France.
A
A
Carsin
E
E
Bosdure
C
C
Zandotti
J
J
Mancini
B
B
Chabrol
J-C
JC
Dubus
D001996:Bronchopneumonia / Q000821:virology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012698:Serologic Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
Bronchopneumonies sévères chez l'enfant : la sérologie pour le virus d'Epstein-Barr peut-elle égarer ?