Fatal infectious mononucleosis. Association with liver necrosis and herpes-like virus particles.

Abstract

A 20-year-old woman died of infectious mononucleosis associated with extensive hepatic necrosis with herpes-type inclusions within nuclei of remaining liver cells. Electron microscopical examination of these liver cells showed intranuclear and occasional intracytoplasmic herpes-like virus. This case supports the concept that a herpes-like virus, or a structurally closely related agent, is the etiological agent of infectious mononucleosis.