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Columbia Epstein-Barr Virus Center

Comprehensive care for children with Epstein-Barr Virus-associated conditions

The Columbia EBV Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital provides advanced, multidisciplinary care for children affected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–related inflammation and malignancies. Our program brings together experts in infectious diseases, hematology/oncology, immunology, pathology, and cellular therapy to diagnose and treat rare, complex, and sometimes life-threatening EBV-associated disorders.

Our goal is to give every child access to precise diagnosis, leading-edge therapies—including virus-specific T-cell treatments—and comprehensive support for the whole family.

Understanding Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) associated conditions

EBV is one of the most common viruses in the world—by adulthood, almost everyone has been exposed to it. In most cases, EBV infection causes no symptoms or leads only to mild illness such as “mono,” or infectious mononucleosis. But in rare instances, EBV can trigger severe immune reactions or even certain cancers.
When EBV infects T cells or natural killer (NK) cells instead of its usual target, B cells, the immune system can become dangerously overactive. This can result in a range of rare inflammatory and malignant conditions, including:

  • Chronic active EBV infection (CA-EBV)
  • Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
  • EBV-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD)
  • EBV-associated lymphomas and leukemias
  • EBV-related smooth-muscle sarcoma and lymphomatoid papulosis

Because these conditions can affect many organs, timely diagnosis and coordinated care are essential.

Symptoms and when to seek care

In children, EBV infection is often mild or goes unnoticed. However, older children and teens may develop mononucleosis, which causes:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Enlarged tonsils, spleen, or liver

In rare and severe cases, EBV can cause life-threatening inflammation that affects the lungs, liver, brain, or bone marrow. Symptoms that may require urgent evaluation include:

  • Persistent high fever lasting more than a week
  • Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures

Children with compromised immune systems—such as those with congenital immunodeficiencies or organ transplants—are at higher risk for EBV-related complications and should be monitored closely.

Who we care for

The Columbia EBV Center cares for children with both malignant and non-malignant EBV-associated disorders, including:

  • Severe infectious mononucleosis
  • EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), including fulminant and chronic active forms
  • Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
  • EBV-associated NK-cell leukemia and lymphoma
  • Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma linked to EBV
  • EBV-associated smooth-muscle sarcoma and lymphomatoid papulosis

We care for patients from infancy through adolescence, as well as young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult care. The Columbia EBV Center is deeply involved in advancing the science of EBV-related diseases. Our team leads and participates in several clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes for children with severe or refractory infections.

Our approach to care

Children with EBV-related diseases often require care from many specialists. Our multidisciplinary team meets regularly to review each patient’s case and tailor an individualized treatment plan.
Our team includes:

  • Infectious disease specialists – experts in viral infections and immune regulation
  • Pediatric hematologist-oncologists – focused on EBV-related lymphomas, leukemias, and lymphoproliferative disorders
  • Immunologists – evaluating and treating underlying immune deficiencies
  • Pathologists and radiologists – providing precise diagnosis through laboratory and imaging studies
  • Cellular therapy specialists – developing and administering EBV-specific T-cell therapies

This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your child’s care—from diagnosis to long-term follow-up—is coordinated seamlessly.
Because EBV-associated diseases can mimic autoimmune or other inflammatory conditions, diagnosis often requires a comprehensive work-up.
At the Columbia EBV Center, patients undergo:

  • Advanced blood testing, including viral load analysis and cytokine profiling
  • Imaging studies such as CT, MRI, or PET scans to assess organ involvement
  • Bone marrow aspiration and tissue biopsy to evaluate for malignancy or lymphoproliferative disease
  • Genetic sequencing to identify underlying immune deficiencies

These evaluations are typically completed in a timely manner, allowing our specialists to quickly develop a precise treatment plan.

Multidisciplinary follow-up care

Caring for a child with a complex viral illness or cancer can be overwhelming. Our program provides comprehensive support beyond medical care. We offer:

  • Psychosocial services, including counseling, social work, and mental health resources
  • Support groups for families navigating rare EBV-associated diseases
  • Nutritional counseling and rehabilitation to promote recovery and strength
  • Educational and advocacy resources to help families understand treatment options and connect with broader EBV research networks
  • Longterm support and care

We are committed to helping families not only manage the disease but also maintain emotional and physical well-being throughout their journey.

Contact us

Families and referring physicians can contact the Columbia EBV Center directly to schedule an appointment or consultation.

NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
3959 Broadway New York, NY 10032

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212-305-9770

Email: [email protected]