A 4-year-old child presented with fatigue, malaise, fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and myalgia. On examination generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly was noted. There was marked tonsillar enlargement along with palatal petechiae, rashes and edema of the eyelids. Peripheral smear is given below.Paul Bunnel test was performed and was positive. All of the following except one can be caused by the above organism?
A 4-year-old child presented with fatigue, malaise, fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and myalgia. On examination generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly was noted. There was marked tonsillar enlargement along with palatal petechiae, rashes and edema of the eyelids. Peripheral smear is given below.Paul Bunnel test was performed and was positive. All of the following except one can be caused by the above organism?
💡 Explanation
**Core Concept**
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family that causes infectious mononucleosis, also known as "mono" or the "kissing disease." EBV primarily infects B lymphocytes, leading to a range of clinical manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The symptoms presented by the child, such as fever, sore throat, and generalized lymphadenopathy, are classic for infectious mononucleosis caused by EBV. The Paul-Bunnel test, which detects heterophile antibodies, is a diagnostic marker for EBV infection. The peripheral smear may show atypical lymphocytes, which are a hallmark of EBV infection. EBV can also cause various complications, including hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and neurologic symptoms.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** EBV is indeed associated with Burkitt lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, so this option is correct and should be excluded as the correct answer.
**Option B:** EBV is also linked to Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly the mixed cellularity subtype, making this option incorrect.
**Option C:** EBV has been implicated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer, making this option incorrect.
**Option D:** EBV is not typically associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), making this the correct answer.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
EBV infection is often asymptomatic or mild in children, but can be severe in adolescents and adults. It's essential to recognize the typical presentation of infectious mononucleosis, including the Paul-Bunnel test, to diagnose and manage this condition effectively.
**Correct Answer: D.**
✓ Correct Answer: D. Primary effusion lymphoma.
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