Epstein-Barr virus induced hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice: a case report
- 1Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435 USA
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH USA
- 3Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Dayton, OH USA
Abstract
Background: Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM), which typically presents with fever, sore throat, and malaise, and is often associated with mild elevations in liver enzymes.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 30-year-old postpartum Caucasian female who developed painless jaundice. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated total and direct bilirubin, anemia, and exam showed splenomegaly. Serologic testing confirmed acute EBV infection and additional laboratory findings suggested a hemolytic process, including positive direct antiglobulin test and reticulocytosis. Her symptoms and liver function abnormalities gradually improved with supportive care, underscoring EBV as a rare cause of significant hyperbilirubinemia in adults.
Conclusion: This case highlights the need to maintain a broad differential when evaluating hyperbilirubinemia, including atypical viral etiologies such as Epstein-Barr virus.
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BibTeX
@article{perkowski2026epsteinbarr,
title = {{Epstein-Barr virus induced hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice: a case report}},
author = {Carly Perkowski and Rachel Cox and Kelsey Wilson},
journal = {BMC Infectious Diseases},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12879-026-12761-5},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-12761-5},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Epstein-Barr virus induced hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice: a case report
AU - Carly Perkowski
AU - Rachel Cox
AU - Kelsey Wilson
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/22
JO - BMC Infectious Diseases
DO - 10.1186/s12879-026-12761-5
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-12761-5
AB - Background: Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM), which typically presents with fever, sore throat, and malaise, and is often associated with mild elevations in liver enzymes. Case presentation: We present the case of a 30-year-old postpartum Caucasian female who developed painless jaundice. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated total and direct bilirubin, anemia, and exam showed splenomegaly. Serologic testing confirmed acute EBV infection and additional laboratory findings suggested a hemolytic process, including positive direct antiglobulin test and reticulocytosis. Her symptoms and liver function abnormalities gradually improved with supportive care, underscoring EBV as a rare cause of significant hyperbilirubinemia in adults. Conclusion: This case highlights the need to maintain a broad differential when evaluating hyperbilirubinemia, including atypical viral etiologies such as Epstein-Barr virus.
SN - 1471-2334
ER -