Premium
Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection
Author(s) -
Descamps V.,
Mahe E.,
Houhou N.,
Abramowitz L.,
Rozenberg F.,
RangerRogez S.,
Crickx B.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05330.x
Subject(s) - immunology , virology , medicine , antibody , virus , parvovirus , cytomegalovirus , herpesviridae , viral disease
Summary Association of drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome with viral infection is debated. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) reactivation has been the most frequently reported infection associated with this syndrome. However, a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was recently described associated with anticonvulsant‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome. We report a case of severe allopurinol‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome with pancreatitis associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Active EBV infection was demonstrated in two consecutive serum samples by the presence of anti‐EBV early antigen (EA) IgM antibodies and an increase in anti‐EBV EA IgG antibodies, whereas no anti‐EBV nuclear antigen IgG antibodies were detected. EBV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Reactivation of HHV‐6 was suggested only by the presence of anti‐HHV‐6 IgM antibodies, but HHV‐6 DNA was not detected by PCR in the serum. Other viral investigations showed previous infection (CMV, rubella, measles, parvovirus B19), immunization after vaccination (hepatitis B virus), or absence of previous infection (hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus). We suggest that EBV infection may participate in some cases, as do the other herpesviruses HHV‐6 or CMV, in the development of drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome.