Fatal Epstein-Barr virus infection in an immunocompetent host: a postmortem diagnosis

Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2020 Dec;16(4):714-717. doi: 10.1007/s12024-020-00254-z. Epub 2020 May 11.

Abstract

Meningoencephalitis is the most common neurological complication related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and in immunocompetent adults, it is most commonly self-limited. We describe a case of fatal EBV infection characterized by meningoencephalitis, foci of myocarditis and interstitial nephritis in an immunocompetent 74-year-old man. The postmortem diagnosis was made based on the presence of EBV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid and by immunohistochemical assay that showed spots of intracellular positivity to anti-EBV antibody in brain tissue.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; Immunohistochemistry; Meningoencephalitis; Postmortem diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • DNA, Viral / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / virology*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral