Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a major role in liver pathology. Similar to other members of the herpesvirus family, EBV establishes a persistent infection in more than 90% of adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of EBV and chronic hepatitis C co-infection (HCV) on biochemical and immunological responses in patients. The study was conducted in 62 patients and 33 apparently healthy controls. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, consisting of 31 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), group II, consisting of eight patients with EBV infection and without HCV infection and group III, consisting of 23 patients with EBV and chronic HCV. The percentage of CD3+ cells, helper CD4+ cells and CD19+ B-cells was measured by flow cytometry. Human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-15 levels were measured by an ELISA. The levels of liver alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes were higher in EBV/HCV patients compared to that in EBV and HCV mono-infected patients. EBV/HCV patients had significantly reduced percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ cells compared to EBV patients. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced in EBV/HCV patients (3.86 pg/mL) compared to CHC patients (6.76 pg/mL) and normal controls (4.69 pg/mL). A significant increase in serum IL-15 levels was observed in EBV/HCV patients (67.7 pg/mL) compared to EBV patients (29.3 pg/mL). Taken together, these observations suggest that HCV and EBV co-infection can potentiate immune response dampening in patients.

PCR has been commonly used for genomic viral diagnosis for its sensitivity and accuracy. It showed a higher sensitivity when compared to virus isolation in tissue culture and also in antigenemia detection. Definitely, DNA samples are critical factor in PCR validity. Out of 84 serum samples subjected to this study and extracted by Wizard® DNA purification mini kit, 27 samples (32.1%) were positive PCR. While, 15 samples (17.9%) only out of the same population study (84) were positive PCR for HCMV DNA in native serum samples (without DNA extraction). This result was confirmed the importance of DNA extraction from serum samples for detection of HCMV which, subsequently lead to more sensitive diagnostic tool of an ongoing HCMV infection.

Microbiology journal is one of the series issued twice by the Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, and is devoted to publication of original papers related to the research across the whole spectrum of the subject. These including bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology. In addition, the journal promotes research on the impact of living organisms on their environment with emphasis on subjects such a resource, depletion, pollution, biodiversity, ecosystem…..etc www.eajbs.eg.net Provided for non-commercial research and education use. Not for reproduction, distribution or commercial use.