Occurrence of Epstein-Barr Virus Illness in Children Diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis and group A streptococcal pharyngitis are acute infectious processes similar in both their clinical manifestations. Coinfections may occur and be a direct result of a synergistic effect on inflamed pharyngeal and tonsillar tissue. It was our observation that a population of children diagnosed with group A streptococcal pharyngitis and not responding to appropriate antimicrobial therapy had Epstein-Barr virus illness.