Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus in Saliva and Gen LMP1 among HIV- Infected Patients

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is also called human herpes virus 4 (HHV-4), has detected 95% of the population and shows an asymptomatic state. EBV is etiological agent of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) in HIV patients. Latent membrane protein 1 ( LMP1 ), an integral EBV protein can modulate growth, differentiation, induce the expression of several cells, activation of antigens, and adhesion molecules. The LMP1 gene has been associated with OHL. Objectives : to determine the prevalence of EBV in saliva and the LMP1 gene in HIV/AIDS patients with EBV positive. Methods : A cross-sectional was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients. The presence of EBV in saliva was done by mciroarray PCR. LMP1 is examined by using nested PCR. Results : The research subjects involved 30 HIV/AIDS patients consisting 70% men and 30% women, with 50 % age group of 31-40 years old and 40% had CD4 counts <200 cells/mm 3 (40%). EBV in saliva was found in 26 out of 30 (87%) HIV patients and LMP1 was detected in 17 patients (65.38%). Conclusion : The high prevalence of EBV in saliva and the LMP1 gene may increase the risk of OHL. Early screening for EBV infection in patients with HIV/AIDS is important to reduce the risk of EBV-associated diseases.