[Severe bronchopneumonia in children: can Epstein-Barr virus serology be misleading?].

We report the cases of two young immunocompetent children with bronchopneumonia associating disabling, spastic cough and severe hypoxemia. In both patients, a primary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection had been suggested based on EBV presence in nasal secretions and a positive serology with anti-VCA immunoglobulin M. Nevertheless, the diagnosis was not confirmed. We discuss the problems confirming EBV responsibility in acute respiratory infections and the pitfalls of diagnostic tests.