Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations

Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations

Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations

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Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations - Viral Villain's Skin Game

⭐ EBV is a ubiquitous herpesvirus (HHV-4) primarily targeting B-lymphocytes and epithelial cells, leading to diverse skin manifestations through direct infection or immune responses.

  • Infectious Mononucleosis (IM) Exanthem:
    • Morbilliform rash, often after ampicillin/amoxicillin (📌 "Ampicillin rash").
    • Palatal petechiae.
    • Periorbital edema (Hoagland's sign).
  • Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome (Papular Acrodermatitis of Childhood):
    • Symmetrical, monomorphic, papular/papulovesicular eruption on face, buttocks, extremities.
  • Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL):
    • White, corrugated, non-removable plaques on lateral tongue; common in HIV/immunosuppression.
  • Other Associations:
    • Erythema multiforme.
    • Urticaria, vasculitis.
    • Lymphoproliferative disorders.

Oral Hairy Leukoplakia on Tongue

Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations - Mono's Tell-Tale Spots

  • Infectious Mononucleosis (IM) Exanthem:
    • Morbilliform (maculopapular) rash; most common. Also scarlatiniform, urticarial.
    • Appears 4-6 days post-fever; trunk & extremities.
  • Ampicillin/Amoxicillin-Induced Rash:
    • Develops in IM patients given these antibiotics.
    • Bright, pruritic, maculopapular; 5-9 days post-drug.

    ⭐ The ampicillin/amoxicillin-induced rash in Infectious Mononucleosis occurs in >90% of treated patients and is typically a non-allergic, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction.

  • Other Key Manifestations:
    • Palatal petechiae (Forchheimer spots): on soft palate.
    • Periorbital edema (Hoagland sign).
    • Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (papular acrodermatitis of childhood).
    • Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (white lesions, lateral tongue; esp. HIV/immunocompromised). Ampicillin rash in Epstein-Barr virus infection

Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations - EBV's Oddball Outbreaks

  • Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome (Papular Acrodermatitis of Childhood)
    • Symmetric, monomorphic, erythematous papules/papulovesicles.
    • Distribution: Face, buttocks, extensor surfaces of limbs.
    • Spares trunk; usually non-pruritic.
    • Self-limiting (weeks to months); typically children < 4 years.
    • Associated with EBV (most common in some regions), Hepatitis B, Coxsackievirus.
  • Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL)
    • White, corrugated or "hairy", non-removable plaques.
    • Location: Predominantly lateral borders of the tongue.
    • Caused by lytic EBV replication in epithelial cells.
    • Not considered premalignant. Oral Hairy Leukoplakia on lateral tongue

    ⭐ Oral Hairy Leukoplakia, presenting as white, corrugated, non-removable plaques on the lateral tongue, is a strong indicator of HIV infection and significant immunosuppression.

  • Other Rare EBV Dermatoses
    • Hydroa Vacciniforme-like Lymphoproliferative Disorder (HV-LPD): Photosensitive, recurrent vesicular/necrotic lesions; risk of systemic lymphoma.
    • Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: Aggressive, destructive midfacial lesions.

Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations - EBV's Sinister Side

  • Primarily in immunocompromised individuals; can drive oncogenesis.
  • Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL):
    • White, corrugated plaques, lateral tongue; not premalignant.
    • Marker of immunosuppression (e.g., HIV).
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders:
    • E.g., Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD).
    • Increased risk with potent immunosuppression.
  • Nasal type NK/T-cell Lymphoma:
    • Aggressive, destructive midfacial lesions; poor prognosis.
  • Hydroa Vacciniforme-like Lymphoproliferative Disorder (HV-LPD):
    • Sun-induced vesiculopapules, scarring; risk of systemic lymphoma.

⭐ EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) typically occurs in iatrogenically immunosuppressed or elderly patients and often has a self-limited or indolent course despite worrisome histology. Oral Hairy Leukoplakia on tongue

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Infectious Mononucleosis: Often presents with a morbilliform rash, especially after ampicillin/amoxicillin.
  • Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome: EBV-associated symmetric papules on face, buttocks, and extremities in children.
  • Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL): White, corrugated, non-removable plaques on lateral tongue in immunocompromised (e.g., HIV).
  • EBV is a known trigger for Erythema Multiforme.
  • Hydroa Vacciniforme-like LPD: Rare, photosensitive EBV+ T/NK-cell disorder; vesicles, crusts, varioliform scars.
  • Nasal type NK/T-cell lymphoma: Aggressive, EBV-linked, causes midfacial destructive lesions.

Practice Questions: Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations

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Flashcards: Epstein-Barr Virus Manifestations

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What is the most common cause of erythema multiforme?_____

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What is the most common cause of erythema multiforme?_____

HSV

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