Pedi: 2nd case in six months, possibly since 2006

[Itsverypersonal]

My son is eight years old.  He has just received his second positive, active EBV test in six months.  He's currently very lethargic and not feeling well, and has a sore throat and headache.  He also has low IgGs.  He was born with low IgGs and if he had one more low he would've been severe combined.  The specialist said he would probably outgrow it..... He had ENT infections every two weeks from birth to three as well as pneumonia and upper resp. infections (ENT surgery at 17 months, still infections after).  In 2006, my son also had extremely swollen tonsils (about a straw's width in between), and his neck was swollen like a tire due to swollen lymph nodes.  Texas Children's Hospital wasn't concerned about the reasons behind the swollen tonsils or neck, and discharged us to walk across the street to see an ENT about the surgery.  He has continued to have occasional swollen lymph nodes and has started having severe sinus infections every four months again.

His pediatrician wasn't concerned about the second positive active EBV in six months (yes, it showed the past infection too) and the low IgG.  I asked for a referral to an Immunologist.....she didn't want to do it.

I'm confused:  I keep reading conflicting information:  Some say you can't get mono more than once (and yes, I understand the virus stays in your body once you get it - I have it too), some say it's impossible.  

My son is also a child with Autism, so recurrent EBV is really not helping with school issues, etc.  

So my questions:

(1)  Could the 2006 swollen tonsils have really been a result of EBV way back then?  If so, what's up with the active cases now (two this year) and where do we go from here?
(2)  Should I follow up on two active cases in six months (and that he's not up to speed)?  If so, do we follow up with an immunologist or whom?  Living in a big city means long waits, and I'd rather get it right.
(3)  What can we do about it?  

Thanks!

[PlateletGal]

I would highly recommend copying and posting your question in Prof. Garth Nicolson's forum. You need to do this by tomorrow, as I believe tomorrow is the last day and the day that Prof. Nicolson will be here in MedHelp answering questions.

Not only does Prof. Nicolson's institute research autism, but also chronic infections as well.. including EBV.

Here is the link:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Autoimmune-Disorders/show/358

Best to you and your family,

~PlateletGal

[Itsverypersonal]

Thanksa bunch!  Will do!!!

[Itsverypersonal]

Rats!  The forum is closed today.  I'll try again in the morning.

Thanks again!

~Mom

[PlateletGal]

You're welcome. I can't think of a better physician to post your questions to... IMO, you came at the right time. I'm sure Prof. Nicolson will be answering our questions soon.

[MH Community Mgr]

Hello,

Dr. Nicolson's forum is open for additional questions.  Please stop by and post your question.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Link to Dr. Nicolson's Expert Autoimmune Disorders Forum:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Autoimmune-Disorders/show/358

Cheryl
MH Community Mgr

[PlateletGal]

Will Prof. Nicolson still be here today ? The MH announcements have all been deleted (except in one forum)

[Itsverypersonal]

Thanks for the suggestion. I posted my questions in the Allergy\Immunology forum and didn't get a response.

I wanted to add that my son (at 2) years old made very poor antibodies to ten out of twelve pneumococcal serotypes (after receiving two rounds of vaccine).  

He feels miserable right now.....with no fever.  *sigh*