Genotypes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV1/EBV2) in individuals with infectious mononucleosis in the metropolitan area of Belém, Brazil, between 2005 and 2016

Abstract Two types of Epstein Barr virus (EBV1/EBV2) have been shown to infect humans. Although their genomes are similar, the regions containing the EBNA genes differ. This study aimed to characterize the EBV genotypes of infectious mononucleosis (IM) cases in the metropolitan region of Belém, Brazil, from 2005 to 2016. A total of 8295 suspected cases with symptoms/signs of IM were investigated by infectious disease physicians at Evandro Chagas Institute, Health Care Service, from January 2005 to December 2016. Out of the total, 1645 (19.8%) samples had positive results for EBV by enzyme immunoassay and 251 (15.3%) were submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, using the EBNA3C region, in order to determine the type of EBV. Biochemical testing involving aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were also performed. EBV type was identified by PCR in 30.3% (76/251) of individuals; of those, 71.1% (54/76) were classified as EBV1, 17.1% (13/76) as EBV2, and 11.8% (9/76) as EBV1+EBV2. The main symptoms/signs observed with EBV1 infection were cervical lymphadenopathy (64.8%, 35/54), fever (63%, 34/54), headache (20.4%, 11/54), arthralgia (20.4%, 11/54), and exanthema (18.5%, 10/54). EBV2 infection was detected in all but two age groups, with an average age of 24 years. The most common signs/symptoms of EBV2 were fever (76.9%, 10/13), average duration of 18 days, and lymphadenopathy (69.2%, 9/13). In contrast, EBV1+EBV2 coinfections were more frequent in those aged five years or less (20.0%, 2/10). The symptoms of EBV1+EBV2 coinfection included fever (66.7%, 6/9), and cervical lymphadenopathy and headache (33.3%, 3/9) each. The mean values of hepatic enzymes according to type of EBV was significantly different (p<0.05) in those EBV1 infected over 14 years of age. Thus, this pioneering study, using molecular methods, identified the EBV genotypes in 30.3% of the samples, with circulation of EBV1, EBV2, and EBV1+EBV2 co-infection in cases of infectious mononucleosis in the northern region of Brazil.

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus and its coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus in adult residents from Manaus: a population-based study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus, associated factors, and Epstein-Barr virus coinfection among adult residents of Manaus. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, we collected blood samples from 136 individuals in a household survey in 2016. Prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus seroprevalences were 67.6% (95% CI: 9.7-75.6%) and 97.8% (95% CI: 95.3-100.0%), respectively. Coinfection was observed in 66.2% (95% CI: 58.1-74.2%) of participants. Bivariate analysis showed no statistical association. CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalences were high among participants and approximately 7 out of 10 individuals had cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus coinfection.

Impacto del virus Epstein Barr en el cáncer gástrico en el Perú / Impact of the Epstein Barr virus on gastric cancer in Peru

El virus de Epstein Barr (VEB) es responsable del 10% del cáncer gástrico (CG) y se correlaciona con mejor tasa de sobrevida. En Perú, no existen estudios sobre prevalencia y características clínicas de CG VEB positivo. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y las características clínico patológicas del CG VEB positivo. Materiales y métodos: 111 muestras de GC fueron examinadas centralmente por hibridización cromogénica in situ del RNA del VEB (EBER CISH). Resultados: El 8,4% de los casos fueron positivos para VEB. La mayoría de los casos VEB positivos tuvieron más de 60 años, varones y la localización, antro / píloro fue la más frecuente. La mayoría de los casos fueron de tipo intestinal y un patrón tubular con una tendencia a un mejor pronóstico en comparación con los casos de VEB negativo. Conclusión: CG VEB positivo es una entidad con una prevalencia de 8,4% en Perú con características clínicas y morfológicas distintivas.

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is responsible of 10% of Gastric Cancer (GC), correlating with better survival rates. In Peru, there were not studies about prevalence and clinical characteristics of CG EBV positive. Objective: Determine prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of GC EBV positive. Materials and methods: 111 GC tumour samples were centrally screened by Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) technique for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) transcript. Results: 8.4% of cases were positive for EBV. Most cases EBV positive were more than 60 years old; male, antrum/pylorus had more frequent localizations. Most cases had an intestinal type and tubular patter and a tendency to better prognostic in comparison EBV negative cases. Conclusion: EBV positive GC is an entity with a prevalence of 8.4% in Peru with distinctive clinical and morphological characteristics.

Trombocitopenia inmune primaria e infección por citomegalovirus y Epstein Barr virus: autoinmunidad versus inmunosupresión / Immune thrombocytopenia primary and cytomegalovius, Epstein Barr virus infection: immunosuppression versus autoimmunity

La trombocitopenia inmune primaria está asociada con múltiples factores que pueden conducir a la pérdida de autotolerancia a los antígenos en la superficie de las plaquetas y los megacariocitos. Varios agentes infecciosos han sido implicados. Los virus herpes debido a la alta prevalencia en la población y el tropismo por las células linfoides se han relacionado con el desarrollo de esta entidad. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica utilizando motores de búsqueda como Ebsco y Pubmed que permitió el acceso a artículos relacionados en revistas arbitradas. Se recolectó y organizó información sobre la implicación de la infección por citomegalovirus y EBV en el desarrollo de trombocitopenia inmune primaria. La mayoría de los artículos indican que en estos virus, la naturaleza no citolítica de la replicación favorece el tiempo de interacción y modulación en las células huésped que son frecuentemente linfocitos B, T y asesinas naturales. El diagnóstico oportuno y la terapia adecuada en estos pacientes contribuyen a la inmunomodulación de la autorreactividad y eliminación viral que, a la luz de los conocimientos actuales, es esencial para el tratamiento clínico integrado. Es necesario considerar el monitoreo del estado serológico y molecular de estos herpes virus, en pacientes en los que la historia natural de la enfermedad sugiere su asociación, especialmente en trombocitopenia inmunitaria primaria o secundaria; por el alto nivel de relación de los mecanismos de producción de la autoinmunidad, la dismielopoyesis y la linfoproliferación, con la patogénesis de la infección por estos virus(AU)

Primary immune thrombocytopenia is associated with multiple factors that may lead to loss of self-tolerance to the antigens on the surface of platelets and megakaryocytes. Several infectious agents have been implicated. Herpes viruses due to the high prevalence in the population and tropism by the lymphoid cells have been related to the development of this entity. A bibliographic review was made using search engines such as Ebsco and Pubmed that allowed access to related articles in magazines arbitrated. Information was collected and organized that involved the role of cytomegalovirus and EBV infection in the development of ITP. Most of the articles indicate that in these viruses, the non-cytolytic nature of replication favors the time of interaction and modulation on host cells that are frequently B, T and natural killer lymphocytes. Timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy in these patients contributes to the immunomodulation of self-reactivity and viral elimination, in the light of current knowledge, is essential for integrated clinical treatment. Consider monitoring the serological and molecular status of these herpes viruses in patients in whom the natural history of the disease suggests their association, especially in primary or secondary immune thrombocytopenia; by the high level of relation of the mechanisms of production of the autoimmunity, the dysmielopoyesis and the lymph proliferation with the pathogenesis of the infection by these viruses(AU)

Profilaxis de enfermedad por virus de Epstein Barr en niños y adultos receptores de trasplante de órganos sólidos y de precursores hematopoyéticos / Prophylaxis against Epstein Barr disease in pediatric and adult patients undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cells transplantation

Post transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) associated with EBV infection is one of the most life-threatening complications in SOT and HSCT. Risk factors for infection or reactivation of EBV in SOT are the use of greater immunosuppression, seronegative receptor and CMV infection. In HSCT, the risk factors are related to type of transplant, HLA disparity, the greater immunosuppression, T-cell depletion and severe GVHD. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of specific therapy for prophylaxis of EBV infection. Prophylaxis recommendations focus on avoid exposure of transplant recipients to sources of virus, through hygiene practices such as hand washing (A3), avoid sharing utensils (B3) and avoid contact with potentially infected secretions (respiratory or saliva) (A2). For PTLD prevention, the recommendation is regular EBV viral load monitoring by rtPCR. In SOT with logarithmic rising of EBV loads, it is recommended to reduce immunosuppression and periodically perform exams to diagnose PTLD. In HSCT, it is recommended to reduce immunosuppression whenever possible, and use rituximab according to speciic protocol. Acyclovir or gancyclovir have not proven to be of any eficacy in PTLD prophylaxis in SOT (C3) or HSCT (D2), so their administration as preemptive therapy is no recommended.

El síndrome linfoproliferativo (SLP) asociado a VEB constituye una grave complicación en TOS y en TPH. Los factores de riesgo de infección o reactivación de VEB en TOS son el uso de mayor inmunosupresión, la seronegatividad del receptor previa al trasplante y la infección por CMV. En TPH se consideran factores de riesgo el tipo de trasplante, disparidad HLA, mayor inmunosupresión, depleción linfocitaria y enfermedad injerto contra hospedero (EICH) grave. No hay evidencia cientíica que apoye el uso de medidas especíicas de proilaxis en prevención de infección por VEB. Se recomienda evitar la exposición a fuentes del virus de los candidatos a trasplantes a través de prácticas de higiene tales como lavado de manos (A3), evitar el compartir utensilios (B3) y evitar el contacto con potenciales secreciones infectadas (respiratorias o saliva) (A2). Para la prevención de SLP, se recomienda un esquema de monitoreo periódico de carga viral de VEB por RPC-TR. En el caso de TOS con cargas de VEB en ascenso logarítmico, se recomienda disminuir inmuno-supresión y buscar activa y periódicamente la aparición de SLP. En TPH, se recomienda, en lo posible, disminuir la inmunosupresión y se reserva el uso de rituximab para casos especíicos según protocolo. El uso de aciclovir o ganciclovir no han demostrado constituir medidas profilácticas efectivas en TOS (C3) ni en TPH (D2), no siendo recomendada su administración en esquemas de terapia anticipada.

Comparative analysis of presence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epsteinbarr virus -1 (EBV-1) in cases of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis with controls.

Aim : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epsteinbarr virus -1 (EBV-1)viruses in sub gingival plaque of chronic periodontitis (groupA), aggressive periodontitis patients (group B), periodontally healthy controls (group C) and to compare the clinical parameters between virus negative and positive sites in each of these groups. Materials and Methods : Sixty subjects were included in the study and equally divided into the 3 groups (group A - 20, group B - 20, group C - 20). Sub gingival plaque samples were obtained from the 3 deepest periodontal pocket sites in case of subjects suffering from periodontitis, and from one random bleeding site per quadrant in healthy groups. Clinical parameters like plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD) and clinical loss of attachment (CAL) were recorded. Viral Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using Proteinase-K DNA Extraction method, and the presence of CMV and EBV-1 was detected by polymerase chain reaction and 2% agarose gel. Results: Results of our study showed a 45% prevalence of CMV and EBV-1 in Aggressive periodontitis cases. Prevalence of CMV in chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects was 20% and 10%, respectively; while for EBV-1 it was 25% and 0%, respectively. In terms of comparison of the clinical parameters with virus presence, both CMV and EBV-1 positive sites showed a significantly higher mean pocket depth compared to virus negative sites. Conclusion: Our studyshowed that the prevalence of EBV1 was higher in chronic and aggressive periodontitis subjects compared to controls and the prevalence of CMV was higher in aggressive periodontitis patients. The virus positive sites showed higher pocket depth compared to virus negative sites.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus DNA in penile cancer cases from Brazil

Penile cancer is a potentially mutilating disease. Although its occurrence is relatively rare worldwide, penile cancer rates can be high in developing countries. A few studies have been conducted on the involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) in penile carcinoma, which have found HPV present in 30-70 percent of penile malignant lesions, with a higher prevalence of HPV 16 and 18. It has been assumed that cofactors, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections, may play a role in the progression of penile neoplasia. The aim of this study was to determine HPV and EBV prevalence in 135 penile malignant lesions from Brazilian men through the use of MY09/11 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), type-specific PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. HPV prevalence among the men tested was 60.7 percent. Of the men who tested positive, 27 presented with HPV 16 (29.7 percent), five with HPV 18 (5.5 percent), 21 with HPV 45 (23.1 percent) and nine with HPV 6 (9.9 percent). Seven mixed infections were detected (9.2 percent), while 11 cases remained untyped (13.4 percent). Regarding EBV positivity, 46.7 percent of the samples contained EBV DNA with EBV-1 as the most prevalent type (74.6 percent). More than 23 percent of the men were co-infected with both HPV and EBV, while 35 percent presented exclusively with HPV DNA and 20 percent presented only with EBV DNA. Penile carcinoma aetiology has not been fully elucidated and the role of HPV and EBV infections individually or synergistically is still controversial. Hence, more studies are needed to determine their possible role in carcinogenesis.

Frequency of blood-borne viral infections among leukemic patients in central Iraq

To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV], hepatitis C virus [HCV], cytomegalovirus [CMV], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and other epidemiological criteria among leukemic patients to establish basic knowledge for future leukemic patient's care. This cross-sectional study was carried out between February 2006 and June 2008 in the Children's Central Teaching Hospital and Medical City Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 641 blood samples [291 samples from leukemic patients and 350 samples from controls] were collected and the sera were tested for the presence of HBV, HCV, CMV, EBV, and HIV serological markers. A significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] was detected among leukemic patients [32.3%] than controls [2.3%]. The seroprevalence of anti-HBs was 29.9% among patients, and 20.6% among controls. This difference was also found to be statistically significant. A significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among leukemic patients [3.4%] than controls [0.3%] was also detected. A higher prevalence of IgG and IgM markers specific for CMV [96.2% and 12% for patients; 91.6% and 8% for controls], and for EBV [88.3% and 26.5% for patients; 75.1% and 13.4% for controls], were detected among leukemic patients than controls, while none of the patients and controls were positive for HIV I and II markers. We conclude that HBV, HCV, CMV, and EBV infections are more prevalent among leukemic patients. There was an increase in the seropositivity rates of HCV, CMV, and EBV infections with increasing ages of leukemic patients. The male leukemic patients were more exposed to HBV, HCV, and EBV infections than females

Elevada seroprevalencia de citomegalovirus, virus herpes simplex tipo 1 y virus Epstein Barr en adultos con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / High seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex type 1 virus and Epstein Barr virus infection among human immunodefciency virus-infected adults

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are latent persistent infections. Their reactivation may cause illnesses and death in human immunodefciency virus-infected (HIV) people. World wide seroprevalence of these viruses is over 50 percent. In Chile, information is not available. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-1 and EBV in Chilean HIV-infected adults. Patients and Methods: A total of 400 HIV- infected adults aged 17 to 67 years (340 males) were studied during 2005 and 2006. CMV, HSV-1 and EBV serum antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Results: The mean lapse from the diagnosis of HIV and serum testing was 67 months and 69.5 percent patients received antiretroviral therapy. Sixty seven percent of the sample were men who had sex with men (MSM). The seroprevalence for CMV, HSV-1 and EBV were 98.5, 92.2 and 99.7 percent, respectively. No patient had negative antibodies for all three viruses. Male patients that were negative for HSV-1 had a lower frequency of MSM than the rest of males (26 percent vs 62 percent, p < 0.01). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of positive antibodies against CMV, HSV-1 and EBV in Chilean adults infected with HIV. Specifc diagnostic tests and antiviral therapy should be available for these patients.

Epidemiology of herpes human virus 6 and epstein-bar virus infections in salivary gland neoplasms in Isfahan, Iran

Viral infections were reported to be the cause of some human malignancies. The exclusive presence of EBV [Epstein-Bar virus] and HHV6 [Herpes Human Virus 6] has been investigated in previous studies. As such comparisons had never been carried out on salivary gland neoplasms, this study aimed to determine any relationship between these two viruses in salivary gland neoplasms. Seventy eight formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples of salivary gland tumors were enrolled. The enrolled patients were those who referred to the Department of Oral Pathology of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and to the state hospitals and private clinics in Isfahan, Iran from May 1995 to July 2005. The paraffin blocks were investigated for presence of HHV6 and EBV genomes by PCR. Out of the 78 samples, 15 were positive for both EBV and HHV6 infections while 6 were only positive for EBV, 21 were HHV6 positive but negative for EBV and 36 samples were reported negative for both viruses. A relationship was visible between EBV and HHV6 genomes. The significant relationship between HHV6 and EBV genomes and salivary gland neoplasms denotes to the question that should be answered in the light of further research whether HHV6 infection in salivary gland tumors can increase the incidence of EBV infection

Prevalence of anti-EBV antibodies in adult patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during 2003-2007 in Isfahan, Iran

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma [NPC] is a nonlymphomatous squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] that occurs in the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx. Viral, geographic, and ethnic factors are responsible for its multifactorial futures. Previous studies have showed the role of Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] in the pathogenesis of NPC but no study has been conducted on the Iranian population to assess the etiology of NPC and to investigate the role of EBV in carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We collected 87 paraffin wax embedded blocks of NPC [n=34] and Laryngeal SCC patients [n=53] operated in Isfahan Hospitals during 2003-2007 from the archives of the department of pathology and then sera of patients were provided. We measured the titers of early antigen [anti-EA] and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen [anti-EBNA] antibodies by means of ELISA method in sera of patients. Our data showed a significant association between elevated titer of these antibodies and the presence of NPC [P value =0.016 for anti-EBNA and 0.001 for anti-EA antibodies]; however, we did not find such a relationship about Laryngeal SCC. The prevalence of EBV infection in patient with NPC is significantly higher than the control group. Further studies should investigate the value of serum markers of EBV infection in the follow up or early diagnosis of NPC in high risk patients

Analysis of the association between Epstein-Barr virus and classic Hodgkins lymphoma in adult patients from Ceará (Brazil) by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

The prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with classical Hodgkins lymphoma (CHL) is geographically variable. In the present study the prevalence of EBV in CHL was assessed in adult patients from Ceará, Brazil. Thirty-seven cases were immunohistochemically evaluated for EBV using latent membrane protein (LMP1) antibody and for EBV latency-associated RNA (EBER1) using in situ hybridization (ISH). Sex and age did not differ among patients as to the frequency of CHL. Nodular sclerosis was the predominant histological subtype. LMP1 was found in Reed-Sternberg cells in 67.5 percent of the cases whereas ISH detected EBER1 in 75.6 percent. Regarding histological subtypes EBV infection rates were not found statistically different in nodular sclerosis (NS) and mixed cellularity (MC) subtypes (p = 0.66).

A freqüência do vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV) em pacientes com linfoma de Hodgkin Clássico (LHC) sofre variabilidade geográfica. No presente estudo investigamos a freqüência do EBV em pacientes com LHC no estado do Ceará. Trinta e sete casos de linfoma de Hodgkin clássico foram avaliados por imuno-histoquímica para EBV usando o anticorpo monoclonal contra a proteína latente da membrana (LMP1) e pelo método de hibridização in situ para RNA associado ao EBV (EBER1). Não há diferença por sexo e idade dos pacientes no que concerne à freqüência de LHC. O subtipo histológico esclerose nodular foi predominante. LMP1 esteve presente em células Reed-Sternberg em 67,5 por cento e pela hibridização in situ, através da sonda EBER, foi evidente em 75,6 por cento dos casos. Não observamos predominância significativa da associação de EBV com os subtipos histológicos esclerose nodular (EN) e celularidade mista (CM) (p = 0,66).

Extranodal malignant lymphoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: prevalence of Epstien-Barr virus (EBV) infection in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

BACKGROUND: High frequency of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the normal mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract suggests that it may serve as a reservoir for the virus. Malignant lymphomas arising in this site may be associated with EBV. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of EBV infection in extranodal malignant lymphomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. SETTING: King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. DESIGN: Descriptive study. PATIENTS: 42 Thai patients who presented between 1998 and 2003. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The expression of EBV mRNAs (EBERs) of malignant lymphoma was studied by means of in situ hybridization in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. RESULTS: The recruited subjects were 26 males and 16 females, and their age ranged from 3 to 85 years with the mean of 51.43 years, in 4 of them human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection was documented. Ten of 42 cases (23.81%) expressed EBER transcripts and were extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas, nasal type (7 cases), plasmablastic lymphomas (2 cases) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (1 case). Three of 4 cases (75%) of known HIV-seropositive cases were EBV-positive (2 plasmablastic lymphomas and 1 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). CONCLUSION: In the upper aerodigestive tract, EBV was present in some but not all malignant lymphoma. It was associated with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type and B-cell lymphoma arising in HIV-infected patients, but it was not found in B-cell lymphoma arising in immunocompetent patients.

Prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in healthy children and adolescents in Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

O vírus Epstein-Barr tem variações geográficas na prevalência e na idade da soroconversão, e poucos estudos abordam estes aspectos no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-EBV em uma amostra de 283 crianças e adolescentes de 1 a 21 anos de idade, residentes nos bairros São Pedro (SP) e Praias (P) no município de Vitória, ES. A pesquisa de anticorpos anti-VCA foi feita por ELISA e a de anti-EBNA por um método de imunofluorescência anticomplemento, ambos utilizando kits comerciais. Os resultados mostraram 71% de positividade para o anti-VCA e 54% para o anti-EBNA. A freqüência do anti-VCA foi significativamente maior e a idade da soroconversão menor na amostra do bairro São Pedro. Maior freqüência de sorologia positiva para o anti-VCA foi encontrada entre os grupos de baixa renda e menor escolaridade materna. Esses resultados demonstram que a prevalência de anticorpos anti-EBV é alta na população de Vitória, sendo mais freqüente e precoce nas crianças e adolescentes de famílias de baixa renda e menor escolaridade, com curva de distribuição etária intermediária entre a observada em países desenvolvidos e subdesenvolvidos.

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus-6, and Epstein-Barr virus in periodontitis patients and healthy subjects in the Thai population.

Fifty periodontitis patients and 30 healthy patients with oral cavities were selected from the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, from March 2001 to November 2002. Their ages varied between 15 and 70 years. Among the periodontitis patients, specimens were collected from both disease and healthy sites. All samples were evaluated for the presence of CMV, HHV-6, and EBV-1 by nested PCR. Among the periodontitis patients, CMV was found in 34%, of which 8% were at the disease sites, 10% were at the healthy sites, and 16% were from both sites. EBV was not found in this group of the patients, while HHV-6 was found in 4%, at the disease sites only. CMV was found in one (3.3%) healthy control while HHV-6 and EBV-1 were not found. The depth of sample sites, various demographic and baseline characteristics eg sex, age, occupation and root planning were not associated with the presence of these viruses.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated peripheral T-cell lymphoma with gastrointestinal tract involvement.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a group of diseases which are common in Asia and areas of South and Central America. They are highly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. In the present study the authors evaluated patients with gastrointestinal involvement of PTCL with respect to clinical findings and outcome, pathologic features, and molecular analysis for EBV infection and the clonality of tumor cells. From January 1997 through December 2000, 7 patients with gastrointestinal tract involvement of PTCL were identified. The frequency of gastrointestinal tract involvement in the various types of PTCL was 5.4 per cent (7 of 129 cases). The pertinent clinical features were prolonged fever, weight loss, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, multiorgan involvement, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Laboratory results showed a significantly high serum level of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase, and abnormal coagulograms. Five patients died within 4 months after onset of illness, while two were in complete remission after chemotherapy. The tumor cell morphology was classified into three categories: small-sized cells, mixed medium- and large-sized cells, and large-sized cells. The antigenic phenotypes of the tumor cells were LCA+, CD3+, CD15-, CD16-, CD30-, CD45R0+, CD57-, CD68-, EMA-, betaF1-, granzyme B+, TIA-1+, and p53+. The expression of CD4, CD8, CD56 and CD20 was variable. EBV-RNA expression by in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) study was positive and T-cell receptor (TCR) beta and/or gamma gene rearrangements were detected in all patients. DNA sequence analysis showed high identity to the human TCR germline gene. PTCL with gastrointestinal tract involvement was associated with EBV infection. The tumor cells were mature T cells with some NK-cell antigenic expression and all demonstrated TCR gene rearrangements.

Epstein-Barr virus in biopsies from patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the University of Puerto Rico immunohistochemistry laboratory

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) presence rate in our laboratory's lymphoma tissue biopsies for comparison with that reported in literature. BACKGROUND: The presence of EBV has been established in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), endemic Burkitt Lymphoma and some non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). It has been linked to geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic factors, with a lower rate in developed countries. METHODS: We used the immunoperoxidase technique to determine the rate of the EBV LMP-1 in eighty-seven biopsies diagnosed as lymphoma. Tissue slides were stained using the Ventana Automated Slide Stainer with the DAKO EBV LMP-1 primary antibody and the results were analyzed with the SYSTAT program. RESULTS: We found an LMP-1 positive rate of 50 per cent for 22 cases of HL and 35 per cent for 63 cases of NHL. Among HL, 5 were children and 16 were adults, with LMP-1 positive rates of 60 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. Among NHL, 3 were children and 59 were adults, with equal LMP-1 positive rates of 33 per cent. The sex LMP-1 positive rates for HL were 42 per cent for 12 males and 60 per cent for 10 females. Among NHL, the sex LMP-1 positive rates were 39 per cent for 38 males and 28 per cent for 27 females. NHL was further subdivided into subtypes and LMP-1 primary antibody positive rates were reported. CONCLUSIONS: We found a similar presence rate of EBV in the HL biopsies to that of developed countries, but a similar presence rate of EBV in NHL biopsies to that of developing countries.

Estudo imunomolecular dos linfomas não hodgkin de origem B na infância: correlação clínica e terapêutica / B non-Hodgkin lymphoma immunological study in childhood: correlation with histological types and therapeutic response

A proteína p53 desempenha um papel central nas respostas celulares dentre as quais se incluem o controle do ciclo e da morte celular induzida por dano ao DNA, como aquele causado por muitos agentes quimioterápicos e radiação utilizados no tratamento do câncer. O propósito deste estudo foi descrever as funções biológicas da proteína p53 e investigar o seu papel nos linfomas não Hodgkin de origem B da infância. Adicionalmente, nós também estudamos os tipos histológicos e a prevalência da infecção pelo vírus Epstein-Barr e sua correlação com os achados clínicos patológicos. Uma série de crianças com linfoma não Hodgkin B foi estudada com relação aos subtipos histológicos, características clínicas, mutações do gene TP53 e expressão das proteínas p53, Ki-67 e mdm2. A detecção de mutações do gene TP53 foi realizada através da técnica de PCR-SSCP dos exons 5-8/9 e seqüenciamento direto em 49 do total de 61 pacientes da série. As mutações do gene TP53 foram detectadas em 22.5por cento dos pacientes analisados, em 20por cento dos pacientes com linfoma de Burkitt. A análise das seqüências destes casos mostrou a presença de mutações do tipo pontual em 10 casos e uma inserção em um caso. A expressão da proteína p53 por imunohistoquímica foi realizada em 48 do total de 61 pacientes com resultados positivos em 31por cento dos casos. A proteína mdm2 foi negativa em todos os casos testados (42casos), incluindo aqueles com mutação do gene TP53. Observou-se uma alta concordância entre a expressão da p53 e a presença de mutações (p=0.0005). Não foi detectada uma correlação estatisticamente significante entre mutações e os achados clínicos. A comparação da sobrevida livre de eventos entre os grupos com e sem mutação usando o teste de Long-Rank também não foi significante. O virus EBV foi analisado por hibridização in situ e estava associado ao LB em 72por cento dos tumores(21/29 pacientes). O tipo 1 infectou a maioria dos casos(28/29). Houve uma tendência de associação entre idade mais baixa e os casos de linfoma de Burkitt associados ao EBV (mediana de 4 anos comparada a 6 anos, respectivamente, p=0.057). Também o nosso estudo sugeriu que na região sudeste do Brasil o LB tem uma associação intermediária com o EBV. Em conclusão, este estudo permitiu contribuir para uma melhor caracterização imunofenotípica e molecular dos linfomas não Hodgkin B da infância no Brasil.

Risk factors for Epstein-Barr virus infection in Thai infants.

To identify the risk factors for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection among infants in Bangkok, Thailand, a case-control study was conducted during 1997-1999. Blood samples were collected from 257 Thai infants aged 6 months to 2 years. Serum samples were assayed for specific EBV IgG antibodies based on a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The subjects' parents were interviewed with structured questionnaires to collect details about their infants' age, sex, socioeconomic background, and place of child rearing. The infants were classified into two groups: positive and negative EBV IgG; factors related to the risks of infection were also determined. The overall seropositivity rate of the study infants was 36.2%. Infants aged 1-2 years had a 3.64 times higher risk than those aged 6 months -1 year (p < 0.0001). Infants living in families with an income of < or = 10,000 baht/month (1 US dollar = 42 baht) had a 1.33 times higher risk than those with a family income of >10,000 baht/month (p = 0.03). Infants who were reared at home had a 2.92 times higher risk than those reared outside the home (p = 0.05). By logistic regression analysis, age (> 1 years) and family income (< or = 10,000 baht/month) were the two risk factors associated with EBV infection.