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  • Infectious mononucleosis du...
    Harada, Naonori; Shibano, Ikumi; Izuta, Yuto; Kizawa, Yusuke; Shiragami, Hiroshi; Tsumura, Akiko; Ohji, Goh; Mugitani, Atsuko

    Journal of infection and chemotherapy : official journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy, 2024-Apr-01
    Journal Article

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in COVID-19 patients has been reported, but studies on its clinical significance are lacking. We herein report the occurrence of infectious mononucleosis (IM) due to EBV reactivation in a 60-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis being treated with methotrexate and tocilizumab. The patient presented with a fever and tested positive for COVID-19. Laboratory findings revealed an increased atypical lymphocyte count, decreased platelet count, and elevated liver enzyme levels. Flow cytometry showed predominant expansion of reactive T cells. EBV reactivation was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patient was treated with remdesivir, and clinical improvement was observed after 10 days of treatment. Follow-up showed a gradual decrease in the EBV-DNA load with no recurrence of atypical lymphocytes. These findings suggest that COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients may lead to unexpected EBV reactivation and IM, even for patients outside the age at which IM is likely to occur.