A new manifestation of infection with Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract

A new manifestatior. of infection with Epstein-Barr virusWe describe a patient with a specific T-lymphocyte defect in whom Epstein-Barr (EB) virus produced a prolonged bizarre illness which responded to treatment with corticosteroids. Case reportA 27-year-old English housewife was admitted to the Lister Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, on 1 March 1977 with a 10-day history of fever, sweating, rigors, and sore throat.She had received ampicillin without improvement.History included glomerulonephritis when she was 11, very severe chickenpox lasting two months when she was 13, and severe oral herpes complicated by a facial nerve palsy when she was 24.She had also suffered measles, rubella, and mumps but these were mild illnesses.There were no recorded episodes of severe bacterial infections.Family history was non-contributory.She was ill with a temperature of 385' C and diffuse erythema of face (not typical of lupus erythematosus or the ampicillin-mononucleosis eruption).Lymph nodes were palpable in cervical, inguinal, and axillary regions; the spleen was palpated 2-3 cm below the left costal margin.There was no tonsillar exudate but a few petechiae were present on the palate.The