Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induced pneumonitis in an immunocompetent adult: A case report

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is one of the herpes viruses that is responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis, lymphomas, and carcinomas primarily in immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of EBV-induced pneumonitis in an immunocompetent female, successfully treated with steroids. The patient is a 70 year-old female with a history of infectious mononucleosis in her teens who presented to the emergency room with worsening shortness of breath, associated with cough and fever. She underwent extensive work up and her serologic workup revealed positive anti-EBV antibodies, pointing towards the diagnosis of EBV induced pneumonitis. EBV-induced Pneumonitis is a very rare entity and is especially hardly seen among immunocompetent individuals. This interesting case shows that in this new era of viral pneumonias, EBV induced pneumonitis should be considered among differentials when dealing with lung infections. Prompt initiation of treatment with steroids or antiviral medication may result in complete recovery. The choices among treatment options can be individualized according to the severity of disease, course of disease progression, and side effect profile of medications. In our case we were able to successfully treat the patient with high dose steroids only.