Screening of non-Hodgkin's tissues for Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus antigens

ABSTRACT

Forty-five biopsies of nodal NHL were examined for EBV and CMV antigens [two members of the herpes virus group]. Paraffin embedded sections were used for indirect immunoperoxidase antibody staining using reference antisera to the two viruses, one was a human IgG anti EBV capsid antigen [EBVCA] and the other was a mouse monoclonal Ig anti CMV. Microscopic diagnosis was 30 non-Burkitt's lymphoma and 15 Burkitt's lymphoma, EVBCA and CMV antigens were detected in 2/15, 6/15 Burkitt's lymphoma respectively. Non-Burkitt's lymphoma were positive for EBVCA and CMV antigens in 3/30, 7/30 respectively. While, B lymphocytes support EBV replication the viral antigens are detected only when viral permissive replication occurs. Lack of detection of EBV antigens in 13/15 Burkitt's lymphoma is not against an etiological association with the virus. The stage of malignancy succeeds the initial viral infection and is a result of multitactors. Detection of CMV antigen in malignant lymphoma is a measure of immune suppression with reactivation of latent CMV virus. So far, there is no evidence that CMV is an etiological factor in lymphoma