Probable collagenous gastritis via Epstein–Barr virus reactivation in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019: a case report

Abstract

Background

Recent biomedical research has shown the unusual, multisystem effects of coronavirus disease 2019 in humans. One specific sequela of a primary severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is the reactivation of latent viruses in various tissues, such as Epstein–Barr virus. Epstein–Barr virus has been identified in many inflammatory gastrointestinal lesions, such as microscopic gastritides and colitides. One subtype of these diseases is collagenous disease. “Long COVID” may be related to the reactivation of these latent viruses, and the following case describes a patient who developed vague symptoms consistent with “long COVID.”

Case presentation

A non-Hispanic white male in his 50s, with previous collagenous gastritis and colitis, developed a 10-kg weight loss and diffuse leg cramps over 3 months. The patient had coronavirus disease 2019 about 3 months prior to presentation. He had iron deficiency and tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus antibody. His heterophile antibody was also positive. Confirmatory testing for human immunodeficiency virus was negative, and his Epstein–Barr virus antibody panel was positive for early antigen immunoglobulin G. His Epstein–Barr virus viral load was undetectable. Minimal improvement was achieved with a 4-week course of oral budesonide, and upper endoscopy showed diffuse gastritis. He is now improving with proton pump inhibitor therapy and ferrous sulfate supplementation.

Conclusion

This case report explores outpatient management of microscopic gastritides and colitides. The evidence around coronavirus disease 2019 causing reactivation of Epstein–Barr virus, and Epstein–Barr virus’ presence in chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory lesions, is discussed. Practice recommendations include corticosteroid and acid-suppression therapy for patients suspected of having a recurrence of inflammatory lesions.