ABSTRACT
Abstract Objective: Clarify the frequency and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the rare manifestations of Epstein–Barr virus infection. Sources: Original research studies published in English between 1985 and 2015 were selected through a computer-assisted literature search (PubMed and Scopus). Computer searches used combinations of key words relating to "EBV infections" and "atypical manifestation. Summary of the findings: "Epstein–Barr virus is a herpes virus responsible for a lifelong latent infection in almost every adult. The primary infection concerns mostly children and presents with the clinical syndrome of infectious mononucleosis. However, Epstein–Barr virus infection may exhibit numerous rare, atypical and threatening manifestations. It may cause secondary infections and various complications of the respiratory, cardiovascular, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Epstein–Barr virus also plays a significant role in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and neoplasms, with Burkitt lymphoma as the main representative of the latter. The mechanisms of these manifestations are still unresolved. Therefore, the main suggestions are direct viral invasion and chronic immune response due to the reactivation of the latent state of the virus, or even various DNA mutations. Conclusions: Physicians should be cautious about uncommon presentations of the viral infection and consider EBV as a causative agent when they encounter similar clinical pictures.
Resumo Objetivo: Esclarecimento da frequência e dos mecanismos patofisiológicos das manifestações raras da infecção por vírus de Epstein-Barr. Fontes: Estudos de pesquisas originais publicados em inglês entre 1985 e 2015 foram selecionados por meio de uma busca na literatura assistida por computador (Pubmed e Scopus). As buscas no computador usaram combinações de palavras-chave relacionadas a "infecções por VEB" e "manifestação atípica". Resumo dos achados: O vírus de Epstein-Barr é um herpesvírus responsável por uma infecção latente vitalícia em quase todo adulto. A infecção primária ocorre principalmente em crianças e se apresenta como síndrome clínica da mononucleose infecciosa. Contudo, a infecção por vírus de Epstein-Barr pode apresentar diversas manifestações raras, atípicas e de alto risco. Ela pode causar infecções secundárias e diversas complicações dos sistemas respiratório, cardiovascular, geniturinário, gastrointestinal e nervoso. O vírus de Epstein-Barr também desempenha um papel significativo na patogênese de doenças, alergias e neoplasias autoimunes. O linfoma de Burkitt é o principal representante das últimas. Os mecanismos dessas manifestações ainda não foram resolvidos. Portanto, as principais sugestões são invasão viral direta e resposta imune crônica devido à reativação do estado latente do vírus ou mesmo a diversas mutações do DNA. Conclusões: Os médicos devem tomar cuidado sobre apresentações incomuns de infecção viral e considerar o VEB um agente causador quando encontrarem situações clínicas semelhantes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Adult , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications , Infectious Mononucleosis/virologyABSTRACT
La infección por el virus de Epstein-Barr puede afectar de manera muy variada al ser humano en sus diferentes etapas de la vida. Algunas veces las manifestaciones son asintomáticas o con síntomas poco específicos y otras puede presentarse como una enfermedad de severidad y duración variable, que puede desarrollar un proceso maligno. Hasta el momento se ha estudiado muy poco sobre la relación del virus de Epstein-Barr y piel, por lo que se trata de hacer una revisión de esta enfermedad y sus diferentes expresiones en la piel.
Epstein-Barr virus infection can occur in different manners, affecting humans throughthe different stages of life. Sometimes, manifestations are asymptomatic or non specific;conversely it can occur as a disease of variable severity and duration, and occasionallyeventuate into malignancy. So far little has been studied on the relationship betweenEpstein-Barr virus and skin; therefore we present this review of the disease and its various expressions upon the skin.
Subject(s)
Humans , Skin/microbiology , Skin/pathology , Skin/virology , Hydroa Vacciniforme/pathology , Hydroa Vacciniforme/virology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/immunology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/pathology , Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell/pathology , Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell/virology , Infectious Mononucleosis/pathology , Infectious Mononucleosis/virology , Skin Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Infectious mononucleosis syndrome, characterized in typical cases by fever, sore throat, tonsillar exudates, cervical adenopathies and atypical lymphocytosis is associated in most cases to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Other potential causes for this syndrome are acute cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Toxoplasma gondii or Human Herpes virus 6 infection. These alternative etiologies evolve with a modified clinical picture that includes sometimes leukopenia or rash. Diagnosis of EBV is easily accomplished by atypical lymphocytosis (> 10 por ciento), positive heterophil antibodies and IgM antibodies directed against the EB viral capsid antigen (VCA). The latter is needed for cases without positive heterophil antibodies. Acute CMV infection is the second most important cause and can be diagnosed by CMV antigen detection, PCR or shell vial culture of blood samples, although experience with these tests among immunocompetent patients in primary care settings is sparse. Acute primary HIV infection is an important cause for this syndrome and should not be neglected when other causes are discarded. Third or fourth generation HIV ELISA tests, p24 antigen or HIV-PCR detection in blood samples allow recognition of this agent from the second or third week of inoculation. T. gondii and human herpes virus 6 infection can be diagnosed by serological methods. Evolution of EBV or CMV infection is favorable with infrequent complications.