A three year Seroepidemiological and molecular study of Epstein –Barr virus infection among different age groups with hematological malignancies in a Tertiary care centre of North India ( 2017 -2019)

Abstract

Purpose: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the family Gamma Herpes viridae and is usually implicated in malignancies like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. The present study was designed with the aim to estimate the seroprevalence of EBV in people with hematological malignancies and further follow up was planned by viral load quantitation by Real time PCR in positive cases. Methods: The current study was planned for a period of three years and a total of 272 serum samples were tested from patients with hematological malignancies namely; HL, NHL, ALL, CLL. Serological testing was performed for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against EBV viral capsid antigen. Sera of the patients found positive for IgM was further subjected to viral DNA extraction and Real Time Quantitative PCR was performed by a commercial kit. Results: The overall seropositivity rate was 89.2% for EBV IgG antibodies and 56.1% for IgM antibodies. The seroprevalence for anti-EBV VCA IgM was found to be highest in the age group <10 years (34.8%) and 11–22 years (20.4%). Of the 109 EBV positive strains by PCR, 27.3% were HL, 35.2% NHL, 24.3% ALL and 13.7% were CLL. The mean viral load was 68.7 × 10 7 copies/ml DNA. Conclusion: Our study showed a higher seroprevalence and a definite causal relationship of EBV in lymphoma patients. Young adults showed a higher risk of hematological malignancies as compared to elder population. This study can prove to be an essential guide and aid to the primary care physicians in identifying the possible risk factors and seroprevalence in various age groups of EBV malignancy patients for their proper follow up and referral to higher speciality centres.

Quantitative cytokine level of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β and circulating Epstein-Barr virus DNA load in individuals with acute Malaria due to P. falciparum or P. vivax or double infection in a Malaria endemic region in Indonesia

“…falciparum , that have increased risk for deregulated EBV homeostasis and subsequent risk of developing EBV-related disease [ 12 , 21 , 27 , 28 , 52 ]. Such inflammation-related deregulated EBV immune balance is reflected not only by elevated EBV-DNA loads in plasma but also by aberrant anti-EBV antibody responses in the co-infected host [ 14 , 53 – 55 ].…”

Serological Evidence of Epstein-Barr Virus Capsid Antigen (EB-CA) Among Pregnant Women from Cottage Hospital, Ilorin

“…Elevated prevalence rates were observed among the unemployed, students, and artisans, potentially linked to poor hygiene practices, interactions with diverse individuals in their work settings, and living conditions facilitating virus exposure. Factors like crowded living conditions and lower socio-economic status have been linked to an increased likelihood of being EBV seropositive in early life (Patel et al, 2021). Conversely, civil servants and business professionals displayed lower prevalence rates of 90.9% and 95.4%, respectively, likely influenced by the characteristics of their respective occupations.…”