Unusual Epstein-Barr esophageal infection in an immunocompetent patient: a case report.
J Med Case Rep
; 3: 7314, 2009 Jun 29.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19830180
INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr virus esophagitis in an immunocompetent host is a rare entity. It represents either primary infection or reactivation and is usually characterized by acute onset and extensive ulcerative involvement of the upper and middle third of the esophagus. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of Epstein-Barr virus esophagitis in a 27-year-old woman with no immunosuppressive factors, and having gastrointestinal symptoms is reported here. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, biopsy and blood specimens were tested for candida and herpes viruses. Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in tissue samples. The patient was treated with acyclovir with resolution of the symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of esophagitis remains undefined in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent individuals and should be taken into consideration in a patient presenting with esophageal symptoms. This case report stresses the role of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of esophagitis, a rare condition in an immunocompetent host. In this setting, active infection may represent a primary infection or reactivation. Histopathological examination alone may miss the diagnosis, while polymerase chain reaction techniques optimize the diagnostic sensitivity, establish a diagnosis, and lead to an appropriate therapy.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Tipo de estudio:
Risk_factors_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Med Case Rep
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido