Objective To analyze the clinical correlation between EB virus-induced pharyngitis with gastrointestinal symptoms and mesenteric lymphadenitis in children , and to explore the value of EBV-VCA-IgM dectection and color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of EB virus-induced mesenteric lymphadenitis. Methods 356 children with pharyngitis complicated by gastrointestinal symptoms were prospectively analyzed. 162 patients who had a postive result of EBV-VCA-IgM detection by ELISA were assigned to a study group , while another 194 patients who had a negative result were assigned to a control group. The size , number and blood flow of mesenteric lymph nodes were determined by color Doppler ultrasound in both groups. The data were counted , compared and analyzed. Results 43 children had mesenteric lymphadenitis in the study group , so had 11 in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). Conclusions Children with pharyngitis complicated by gastrointestinal symptoms may suffer from mesenteric lymphadenitis. ELISA for EBV-VCA-IgM detection and color Doppler ultrasound have certain clinical value in the diagnosis of mesenteric lymphadenitis indcued by EB virus infection.