Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections in pediatric patients of choledochal cyst

Association of viral infection with obstructive jaundice is well-known however frequency of cholangiotropic virus infection in pediatric choledochal cyst is not known. IgG and IgM antibodies against Cytomegalo virus (CMV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in 48 children with choledochal cysts and 26 controls were analysed using ELISA. We found significantly higher anti-CMV IgG and IgM in patients (95.8% and 77.1%, respectively) compared to controls (73.1% and 42.3%) and a notable prevalence of anti-EBV antibodies among both groups (83.3% versus 65.4% IgG and 77.1% versus 46.1 for IgM in patients and controls respectively). Moreover, 79.2% of patients were positive for both anti-CMV and anti-EBV IgG, and 62.5% for both IgMs. This pilot study suggests that infection with CMV, EBV, or both is frequently seen in pediatric patients with CDC. Molecular screening and follow-up in a larger cohort is therefore required for further validation.