Positive Epstein–Barr virus detection in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients

Abstract The objective of this study was to detect the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) coinfection in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In retrospective single-center study, we included 67 COVID-19 patients with onset time within 2 weeks Renmin Hospital Wuhan University from January 9 February 29, 2020. Patients were divided into EBV/SARS-CoV-2 group and SARS-CoV-2 infection alone according serological results EBV, characteristics differences between two groups compared. median age 37 years, 35 (52.2%) females. Among these patients, thirty-seven (55.2%) seropositive for EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM antibody. had a 3.09-fold risk having fever symptom than (95% CI 1.11–8.56; P = 0.03). C-reactive protein (CRP) (P 0.02) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 0.04) higher that patients. portion corticosteroid use We find high incidence associated increased inflammation. reactivation may severity COVID-19.