Epstein-Barr virus infection presenting as cholestatic jaundice

Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus infection usually presents as infectious mononucleosis with fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy, while cholestatic jaundice is a rare manifestation. We report a 36-year-old man who presented with progressive jaundice, pruritus, and dark-coloured urine with deranged liver function tests showing a cholestatic pattern. Evaluation revealed atypical lymphocytosis and positive EBV IgM serology after exclusion of biliary obstruction and other common causes of hepatitis. The patient improved with supportive treatment alone. This case highlights the importance of considering EBV infection in the differential diagnosis of cholestatic jaundice.