Serious consequences of Epstein-Barr virus infection: Hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis

Int J Lab Hematol. 2022 Feb;44(1):74-81. doi: 10.1111/ijlh.13736. Epub 2021 Oct 28.

Abstract

Human is the host of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) especially in childhood and adolescence. Most of them are asymptomatic infection and self-limiting. However, for those patients who suffer from immune dysfunction, EBV infection will be life-threatening. Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (EBV-HLH) is one of the severe effects. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of EBV-HLH and other EBV infectious diseases are mentioned in this paper. The molecular biology mechanism and complications of EBV-HLH are equally briefly presented. It also provides a practical method for the genetic diagnosis of such diseases and the differential diagnosis with other human immunodeficiency diseases for medical scientists in routine clinical practice.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis; hemophagocytic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Bone Marrow Examination
  • Cytogenetic Analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Variation
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / complications
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / diagnosis*
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / etiology*
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / therapy
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs