[Cytomegalovirus-associated infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome accompanied by transient monoclonal expansion of CD8+ T-cells]

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2009 Aug;50(8):652-7.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Most cases of infectious mononucleosis (IM) are caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Other pathogens have been reported to cause heterophile-negative mononucleosis-like syndrome, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. In this article, we describe a patient with prolonged fever and fatigue, who developed transient monoclonal CD8+ T-cell lymphocytosis after primary CMV infection. Monoclonal gene rearrangement of T-cell receptor (TCR) beta locus was transiently detected in DNA from peripheral lymphocytes. Monoclonal rearrangement and atypical lymphocytosis disappeared after treatment with anti-viral agents. These observations imply that monoclonal expansion of T-cells could be a reactive phenomenon of primary CMV infection and TCR gene rearrangement is not specific for malignancy. Physicians should carefully follow patients with monoclonal expansion of CD8+ T-cells after CMV-IM in order to rule out T cell malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / virology
  • Ganciclovir / administration & dosage
  • Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / complications
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / drug therapy
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / immunology*
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / virology
  • Lymphocytosis / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ganciclovir