A prospective study on infectious mononucleosis in childhood--symptoms, serology, Epstein-Barr-Virus specific leukocyte migration inhibition.

The clinical course, serological changes and the development of the specific cell-mediated immune response to Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV), measured in terms of leukocyte migration inhibition, were followed in 40 children suffering from an EBV infection. The patients were followed for between six and 24 months. Although the majority of the children were under six years of age, they presented a typical clinical course; heterophil antibodies could only be demonstrated in 60% of the cases. Anti-VAC-IgM and IgG antibodies were found in all patients during the acute phase, but no anti-EBNA could be demonstrated. In children under three years of age, no antibodies against the D component of the early antigen were found; this antibody was found in 50% of the adolescents. An antibody against the R component of the early antigen could be demonstrated in 73% of the children five to six months after the onset of the disease. Specific leukocyte migration inhibition was present only during convalescence or later. A relationship between the appearance of anti-EBNA and the development of specific leukocyte migration inhibition has been established.