TY - JOUR T1 - Epstein–Barr virus primary infection in healthy children JO - Anales de Pediatría (English Edition) T2 - AU - García-Peris,Mónica AU - Jiménez Candel,M. Isabel AU - Mañes Jiménez,Yolanda AU - Pariente Martí,Macarena AU - González Granda,Damiana AU - Calvo Rigual,Fernando SN - 23412879 M3 - 10.1016/j.anpede.2018.09.004 DO - 10.1016/j.anpede.2018.09.004 UR - https://www.analesdepediatria.org/en-epsteinbarr-virus-primary-infection-in-articulo-S2341287919300729 AB - IntroductionThe aim of this study is to assess epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of primary infection by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in children without previous diagnosis of any immune disease and its relationship with clinical presentation. Patients and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on all children from 0 to 15 years with IgM against viral capsid of EBV positive or indeterminate during a 22 month period. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were analysed and compared between typical (mononucleosis syndrome) and non-typical clinical symptoms. ResultsThe study included a total of 103 children, with a median age of 7 years (3–12.5 years). Almost two-thirds (63%) of patients had typical clinical signs, with a mononucleosis syndrome, and 37% had a non-typical presentation. The non-typical clinical group had a lower age (P=.03) and took less antibiotic than the typical clinical group (P=.015). From laboratory studies, there were no differences between the groups, except in RCP, which was higher in typical clinical group (P=.04). Heterophile antibodies were positive in 33% of patients. An indeterminate IgM against viral capsid was present in 20% of the patients, and most of them had an oligosymptomatic or atypical presentation. An IgM positive for other viruses was found in 21%, and 3 of them were suspicious of false positive for EBV. ConclusionsIn the studied population, a primary infection due to EBV is common in younger ages, and they have usually an oligosymptomatic clinical presentation. A very low percentage of positive heterophile antibodies were found. Cases with indeterminate IgM against viral capsid are more frequent in the non-typical clinical group. Co-infection with other viruses is common. ER -