prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus among patients with generalized lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy is a common problem that usually necessitates thorough investigations. Enlarged lymphnodes occurs in response to a wide variety of inflammatory and neoplastic process. This study included 20 children with generalized lymphadenopathy, 13 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 7.6 years and 10 healthy children of matched age and sex served as a control group. A complete diagnostic work up was done including detailed history; clinical examination, complete blood picture, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serologic tests including Monospot test for detection of heterophil antibodies and indirect fluorescent antibody [IFA] test for detection of IgG- VCA. Two cases [10 percent] were positive by Monospot test whereas 40 percent were definitely positive by IFA test compared to non of the control group. A high incidence of immune cases was found in both patient and control [15 percent and 40 percent] reflecting the high prevalence of Epstein - Barr virus [EBV]. A male predominance was evident in cases with infectious mononucleosis [IM]. However, no characteristic clinical or hematological data for EBV-IM were found