Features of Epstein-Barr virus infection in early childhood

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), is a ɣ-herpesvirus, that is ubiquitous in nature and infects most of the people. It causes diseases in human that ranges from mild symptoms that are undifferentiated from other common viruses, to its most common clinical syndrome “Infectious mononucleosis ”, to its link with different malignancies and lymphoproliferative syndromes.This study aims to explore epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of EBV infection in early childhood. There were enrolled 72 children, aged 0-6 years, which resulted infected with EBV, confirmed by serology tests. 2-3 years was the age with the most high number of cases (25%). The most affected gender were males (58%). Fever resulted the most common symptom (98%), followed by sore throat in (65%). Fever duration was approximately 8 days. The most common clinical sigh were pharyngitis (82%), lymphadenitis (75%), splenomegaly (31%), hepatomegaly (27%). Leukocytosis was present in 92% of children, lymphocytosis in 86%. Median time of hospitalization was 9 days. EBV virus can infect children in the first years of life. Its symptoms and signs are similar to other infections of childhood. However the disease appears more severe according to prolongation of the disease compared to other infections in early childhood.