Clinical Information

Primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a DNA-containing virus classified among the family Herpesviridae, may cause infectious mononucleosis resulting in a benign lymphoproliferative condition characterized by fever, fatigue, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy. Infection occurs early in life, and by 10 years of age, 70% to 90% of children have been infected with this virus. Usually, infection in children is asymptomatic or mild and may be associated with minor illnesses such as upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and otitis media. The target cell for EBV infection is the B lymphocyte. Immunocompromised patients, lacking antibody to EBV, are at risk for acute EBV infection that may cause lymphoproliferative disorders in organ transplant recipients (posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders [PTLD]) and AIDS-related lymphoma.(1) The incidence of PTLD ranges from 1% for renal transplant recipients, to as high as 9% for heart/lung transplants, and 12% for pancreas transplant patients.

EBV DNA can be detected in the blood of patients with this viral infection; however, quantitative evaluation of EBV DNA has been shown to correlate highly with the subsequent (3-4 months) development of PTLD in susceptible patients.(2) Organ transplant recipients seronegative (risk for primary EBV infection) for EBV (frequently children) who receive anti-lymphocyte globulin for induction immunosuppression and OKT-3 treatment for early rejection are at highest risk for developing PTLD compared to immunologically normal individuals with prior infection with this virus.(4,5)