Epstein-Barr Virus Coinfection in COVID-19

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family, is a causative agent for infectious mononucleosis in young adults. It has an asymptomatic and subclinical distribution in about 90% to 95% of the world population based on seropositivity. EBV is associated with various lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and in immunocompromised states can give rise to aggressive lymphoproliferative disorders. Symptomatic patients mostly present with mild hepatitis, rash, oral symptoms, lymphadenopathy, and generalized malaise. Recently with the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic, hepatitis has been found to be related to acute EBV and cytomegalovirus reactivation versus acute infection in the absence of other major causes. We describe a case of EBV coinfection in a patient with resolving mild COVID-19 infection.

Automated summary

EBV, a member of the herpes virus family, is a causative agent for infectious mononucleosis. Most cases are asymptomatic, but hepatitis has been found to be related to acute EBV and cytomegalovirus reactivation versus acute infection.