Epstein-Barr virus reactivation triggers selective IL-6/IL-10 axis inflammation and CD3+CD8+ T-cell activation leading to severe leukopenia, hyperinflammatory shock, and myocardial injury: a case report - Takeaways - MDSpire

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation triggers selective IL-6/IL-10 axis inflammation and CD3+CD8+ T-cell activation leading to severe leukopenia, hyperinflammatory shock, and myocardial injury: a case report

  • By

  • Yong Chen

  • Jie Wang

  • Qiuju Yao

  • Junhui Zhong

  • Jin Cao

  • Lei Du

  • Lipeng Shi

  • Chenghu Wang

  • Yi Ren

  • July 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    A 24-year-old female experienced severe Epstein-Barr virus reactivation with high fever, leukopenia, hyperinflammatory shock, and myocardial injury.

  • 2

    Laboratory tests indicated elevated CD3+CD8+ T cells and increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ, but normal IL-2 and TNF-α.

  • 3

    The patient's symptoms improved rapidly after treatment with glucocorticoids and ganciclovir, highlighting the need for timely intervention.

  • 4

    This case illustrates that EBV reactivation can cause severe inflammatory responses without meeting hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis criteria.

  • 5

    Clinicians should recognize atypical manifestations of EBV reactivation to differentiate it from other severe conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Original Source(s)

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation triggers selective IL-6/IL-10 axis inflammation and CD3+CD8+ T-cell activation leading to severe leukopenia, hyperinflammatory shock, and myocardial injury: a case report

  • by Yong Chen, Jie Wang, Qiuju Yao, Junhui Zhong, Jin Cao, Lei Du, Lipeng Shi, Chenghu Wang, Yi Ren

  • July 10, 2026

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