A Fatal case of Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a young male

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, potentially lethal condition due to dysfunctional immune response causing severe inflammatory syndrome. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – induced HLH is a form of secondary HLH, a very serious presentation of an otherwise benign viral infection. Here we present a case of 31 year old previously healthy male with prolonged fever and constitutional symptoms, eventually diagnosed to have HLH secondary to EBV infection. He had refractory response to treatment regimen of etoposide and dexamethasone followed by Rituximab therapy and succumbed to septic shock.