COVID‐19 AND EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS IN CHILDREN, POST PANDEMIC CHALLENGE

Abstract

Aim of our study was to detect incidence, clinical and laboratory features of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in children infected with Sars Cov2 in the past. An open prospective clinical trial was performed in TSMU G.Zhvania pediatric clinic in 2021-2023. A total of 217 patients were included in the study, female – 109 (50,23%), male - 108 (49,76%), age 3-7 years. All patients were investigated: clinical symptoms and full blood count, C-reactive protein, EBV serology (anti-viral capsid antigen IgM and IgG [anti-VCA IgM and anti-VCA IgG]), heterophile antibodies IgM [HAIgM], anti-nuclear antigen IgG [anti-EBNA IgG], and antiearly antigen IgG [anti-EA IgG]), abdominal ultrasound.

Results: Total 217 children were infected with Sars Cov 2 in the past, in 105 (48,38%) of them EBV infection was diagnosed 2-3 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. 69 (65,71%) of them had a history of mononucleosis. Patients’ complaints were: fever, respiratory symptoms and abdominal pain. From the clinical-paraclinical data, fever was detected with a high frequency in 92 (87.61%), monocytosis – 68 (64.76%). Lymphadenopathy – 42 (40%), splenomegaly – 48 (45.71%), abdominal pain – 34 (40.95%).

Conclusion: The incidence of Epstein-Barr virus is notable in children who have been infected with Sars Cov 2 in the past. The frequency of fever, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abdominal pain and monocytosis is high in these patients.