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DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557362
Childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy secondary to reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus
Subject Editor:
Publication History
30 October 2006
29 November 2006
Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)
Abstract
A case of childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is reported. A 15-year-old male presented with CIDP, which initially mimicked Guillain-Barré syndrome. He subsequently developed major relapses at four and five months after initial presentation. He recovered six weeks after the last relapse. Serological studies showed positive Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen IgG and negative EBV viral capsid antigen IgM. However, EBV deoxyribonucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction from cerebrospinal fluid, measuring up to 1000 copies/mL. His CIDP, which ran a relapsing course, could be explained by reactivation of latent EBV, triggered by other viral illness. Given patient's full recovery, the mechanism of injury is likely due to EBV-associated immune-mediated process, rather than from a direct viral infiltration of the peripheral nerve. This is the first report of a CIDP with documented EBV infection in cerebrospinal fluid.