EBV B-cell tropism — MRCPCH TAS MCQ

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EasyMicrobiologyEBV B-cell tropismMRCPCH TAS

A 14-year-old has fever, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy and atypical lymphocytes. Heterophile antibody test is positive. Which receptor does Epstein-Barr virus use to infect B cells?

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Correct answer: E — CD21 complement receptor

Epstein-Barr virus infects B cells through CD21, the complement receptor 2. CD4 and CCR5 are relevant to HIV entry rather than EBV. The pearl is that atypical lymphocytes are reactive T cells responding to infected B cells.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics; RCPCH Theory examination syllabi; Lissauer's Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics