Rheumatic manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus in children

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to cause infectious mononucleosis; in addition, it is strongly associated with malignancies. Studies have also demonstrated that EBV infection may trigger the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. EBV infection has been implicated in complicating treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, in addition to triggering cytokine production. Awareness of a past or present EBV infection has been highlighted as an important factor in determining treatment options in several diseases. Repeated associations have been described between EBV infection and various rheumatic diseases and complications of rheumatic disease, including Kawasaki disease, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. We present a review of recent literature demonstrating the significance of EBV infection in rheumatic diseases, and complications of rheumatic disease, in children.