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.
Keywords
Epstein-Barr virus - rheumatology - pediatrics - systemic lupus erythematosus - juvenile
idiopathic arthritis - Kawasaki disease - immune thrombocytopenic purpura - hemophagocytic
lymphohistiocytosis
