Epstein-Barr Virus Viral Capsid Antigen IgG Research Articles

Detection and Quantification of the Epstein-Barr Virus in Lymphoma Patients from Ethiopia: Molecular and Serological Approaches.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a known oncogenic virus associated with various lymphoma subtypes throughout the world. However, there is a lack of information regarding EBV prevalence in lymphoma patients, specifically in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the presence of the EBV and determine its viral load in lymphoma patients from Ethiopia using molecular and serological approaches. Lymphoma patient samples were collected from the Ethiopian population. DNA and serum samples were extracted and subjected to molecular detection methods, including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis targeting the EBNA1 gene. Serological analyses were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect EBV viral capsid antigen IgG antibodies. EBV DNA was detected in 99% of lymphoma patients using qPCR, and serological analyses showed EBV presence in 96% of cases. A high EBV viral load (>10,000 EBV copies/mL) was observed in 56.3% of patients. The presence of high EBV viral loads was observed in 59.3% of HL patients and 54.8% of NHL patients. This study provides important insights into the prevalence and viral load of the EBV among lymphoma patients in Ethiopia. The findings contribute to the limited knowledge in this area and can serve as a foundation for future research.

The Burden of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Its Determinants among Adult HIV-Positive Individuals in Ethiopia.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a well-known risk factor for the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). People with HIV infection (PWH) are at increased risk for EBV-associated malignancies such as HL and NHL. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the burden of EBV among this population group in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the burden of EBV infection among adult HIV-positive individuals in Ethiopia and assess the determinants of EBV DNA positivity. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021. Two hundred and sixty individuals were enrolled in this study, including 179 HIV-positive and 81 HIV-negative individuals. A structured questionnaire was used to capture demographic and individual attributes. In addition, the clinical data of patients were also retrieved from clinical records. EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG antibody was measured by multiplex flow immunoassay, and EBV DNA levels were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) assays targeting the EBNA-1 open reading frame (ORF). Descriptive statistics were conducted to assess each study variable. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the determinants of EBV infection. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value < 0.05. Two hundred and fifty-three (97.7%) study participants were seropositive for the EBV VCA IgG antibody. Disaggregated by HIV status, 99.4% of HIV-positive and 93.8% of HIV-negative participants were EBV seropositive. In this study, 49.7% of HIV-positive and 24.7% of HIV-negative individuals were EBV DNA positive. PWH had a higher risk of EBV DNA positivity at 3.05 times (AOR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.40-6.67). Moreover, among PWH, those with an HIV viral load greater than 1000 RNA copies/mL (AOR = 5.81, 95% CI = 1.40, 24.13) had a higher likelihood of EBV DNA positivity. The prevalence of EBV among PWH was significantly higher than among HIV-negative individuals. Higher HIV viral loads in PWH were associated with an increased risk of EBV DNA positivity. Since the increases in the viral load of EBV DNA among PWH could be related to the risk of developing EBV-associated cancers, it is necessary for more research on the role of EBV in EBV-associated cancer in this population group to be carried out.

Relation between Epstein-Barr virus infection and Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune mediated inflammatory disease that attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS), destroying the myelin and the axon in variable degrees. The aetiology and pathogenesis of MS is complex and multifactorial, involving many interlacing mechanisms. Many theories had considered viral infections as a possible cause of MS. One of these viruses is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpes virus belonging to the family herpesviridae. There is obvious similarity between EBV and MS regarding their epidemiological pictures, and it was observed that most MS patients had a history of infectious mononucleosis (IM) a few years before onset. The relation between EBV and MS may give hope for development of biomarkers for prediction of disease development, early diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, curing or even preventing MS through an anti EBV vaccine or antiviral therapies. Objectives This study aims to analyze the association between EBV infection and multiple sclerosis. Subjects and Methods This is a case control study carried in the MS outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period from April 2019 till November 2019. Subjects included in this study were classified into two groups. The first group included 30 patients diagnosed as having MS, on the basis of their MRI finding, clinical presentation and according to revised Mc Donald criteria 2017. The patient group included 11 males and 19 females, their age ranged from 18 to 48 years. The second group included 30 age and sex matched healthy controls without any neurological or medical diseases. The control group included 11 males and 19 females, their age ranged from 18 to 48 years. Both groups were tested quantitatively for immunoglobulin G against Epstein Barr viral capsid antigen (VCA) using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Results All patients with MS (100%) were positive for EBV VCA IgG, whereas (93.33%) of controls were positive. In the MS group, the EBV VCA IgG mean level was (161± 66.32) U/ml compared with (78.53±47.63) U/ml in controls. The difference in serum level of EBV VCA IgG between both groups was statistically highly significant (P = &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion There were higher levels of EBV VCA IgG in the serum of MS patients compared to healthy controls. This finding postulates a relation between EBV infection and MS and its role in the pathogenesis of MS.

Attachment anxiety is related to Epstein-Barr virus latency.

Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding individual differences in chronic interpersonal stress. Attachment anxiety, a type of relationship insecurity characterized by worry about rejection and abandonment, is a chronic interpersonal stressor. Stress impacts cellular immunity, including herpesvirus reactivation. We investigated whether attachment anxiety was related to the expression of a latent herpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), when individuals were being tested for breast or colon cancer and approximately 1 year later. Participants (N=183) completed a standard attachment questionnaire and provided blood to assess EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG antibody titers. Individuals with more attachment anxiety had higher EBV VCA IgG antibody titers than those with less attachment anxiety. The strength of the association between attachment anxiety and antibody titers was the same at both assessments. This study is the first to show an association between latent herpesvirus reactivation and attachment anxiety. Because elevated herpesvirus antibody titers reflect poorer cellular immune system control over the latent virus, these data suggest that high attachment anxiety is associated with cellular immune dysregulation.

15. Attachment anxiety is related to Epstein–Barr virus latency while undergoing testing for breast or colon cancer, as well as one year later

Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding individual differences in chronic interpersonal stress and may offer insight into the associations between interpersonal relationships and health. Attachment anxiety, a type of relationship insecurity characterized by worry about rejection and abandonment, is a chronic interpersonal stressor. Stress impacts cellular immunity, including herpesvirus reactivation. In this study, we investigated whether attachment anxiety was related to the expression of a latent herpesvirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), during a stressful period when individuals were being tested for breast or colon cancer because of suspicious symptoms or a suspicious initial test, and then during a lower stress period approximately 1 year later. Participants ( n = 183) completed questionnaires and provided blood to assess EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG antibody titers. Compared with those who had lower attachment anxiety, individuals who had higher levels of attachment anxiety had higher EBV VCA IgG antibody titers, reflecting poorer cellular immune system control of the latent virus. General anxiety did not explain the association between attachment anxiety and EBV VCA IgG antibody titers. The association between attachment anxiety and EBV VCA IgG antibody titers was not more pronounced during the more stressful period compared with the less stressful period. This study adds to our growing understanding of how interpersonal relationships and chronic interpersonal stress influence immune function and health.

Infectious Serologies and Autoantibodies in Wegener's Granulomatosis and Other Vasculitides

In this study we assess the presence of antibodies against infectious agents as well as for a variety of autoantibodies in an attempt to establish associations between various vasculitides and infections in order to shed light on the etiopathogenesis of these diseases and perhaps implicate a potential cure. Sera from patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), polyarteritis nodosa, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg Strauss, and giant cell arteritis were compared to healthy control sera. Serum samples were assessed, using the Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200, for the presence of Toxoplama gondii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Treponema pallidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies were assessed by ELISA. In addition, sera were tested for a panel of antibodies associated with thrombophilia as well as various autoantibodies. The prevalence of antibodies toward HCV and H. pylori was significantly higher among patients with WG. IgG antibodies toward T. gondii and IgM antibodies toward CMV were significantly more common among WG patients than among controls. WG patients exhibited more antibodies toward EBV viral capsid antigen IgG and EBV early antigen IgG compared to sera from healthy controls. In WG, positive associations were disclosed between CMV IgG antibodies and the presence of gastrointestinal manifestations and renal involvement, and there was a higher Birmingham vasculitis activity score in association with elevated titers of EBV viral capsid antigen IgG antibodies. Otorhinolaryngeal manifestations were more common in those with positive IgG antibodies for EBV early antigen. Our results unveil novel associations between WG and various infectious agents, including HCV, H. pylori, T. gondii, CMV, and EBV. In addition to putative roles in initiation and exacerbation of the vasculitic process, it seems that these infectious agents also modulate the clinical phenotype of the disease.

Prevalence of primary versus reactivated Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients with VCA IgG-, VCA IgM- and EBNA-1-antibodies and suspected infectious mononucleosis

Background In Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, IgG- and IgM-antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and IgG-antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) can occur simultaneously both in late primary infection and during subclinical viral reactivation in immunocompetent persons, and the differential diagnosis is of importance. Objectives To study the prevalence of primary infection and serological reactivation in patients with suspected primary EBV infection and with all three parameters present. Study design Fifty serum samples from 43 consecutive patients referred for suspected infectious mononucleosis and positive for VCA IgG-, VCA IgM- and EBNA-1-antibodies by EIA, were tested for IgG-antibody avidity with an EBV IgG immunoblot. Sera were also tested for heterophile antibodies (HA). To verify the presence of IgM-antibodies an EBV IgM immunoblot was performed when high-avidity IgG-antibodies were found. Results and conclusions Of 43 patients with suspected primary EBV infection and VCA IgG-, VCA IgM- and EBNA-1-antibodies present, only 18 patients (42%) had a late primary infection. Twenty-one patients (49%) had high-avidity IgG-antibodies, indicating an IgM response due to reactivation, thus suggesting other causes for their symptoms. In 10 of these 21 patients the presence of IgM-antibodies was confirmed by immunoblot, indicating reactivation as a cause of IgM-antibodies in at least 23% of the 43 patients studied. Of 18 patients with primary infection, HA were detected in 16 (94%) of 17 patients tested. Only one (5%) of the patients with high-avidity antibodies had HA. Absence of HA in patients with this serological pattern is therefore a good indicator of reactivation, and conversely, the presence of HA is a good indicator of primary infection. In HA negative patients, avidity testing could be used for differential diagnosis.

New aspects in clinicopathologic and oncogene studies of 23 pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, an uncommon epithelial tumor, has been described as being closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in many organs, especially the nasopharynx. We experienced 23 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma arising in the lung from 2498 lung cancer patients in the Cancer Registry of our hospital. Seven patients were male and 16 were female. All patients were Chinese. Their ages ranged from 42 to 80 years. Six patients were smokers and 17 were nonsmokers. The tumor sizes ranged from 1.2 to 11.0 cm. All tumors showed the typical syncytial growth pattern of undifferentiated epithelial cells with a significant CD8+ T-lymphocyte reaction. EBV serology revealed prior infection in all 15 serum-available patients, all of whom were also found by in situ hybridization to have the virus genome. In addition, the higher the EBV serology titer, the larger the tumor size and the higher the staging would be. EBV viral capsid antigen IgG level remained elevated despite response to therapy. Nearly all cases had bcl-2 oncoprotein expression, but the detection rate of latent membrane protein-1, p53, and c-erb B-2 expression was extremely low. The encouraging chemotherapy response for advanced stage disease is also discussed.

Academic Stress—Influence on Epstein-Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus Reactivation, Cortisol, and Prolactin

This study evaluated the effects of a common stressful event, academic examination, on (1) reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) and (2) levels of cortisol and prolactin in serum. Blood samples were drawn from 2 groups of female students at the beginning of the semester (baseline) and during final examination periods (stress samples) of summer and fall-winter semesters. During summer, fall-winter, and overall, examination stress resulted in significantly increased levels of cortisol at P = .037, .016 and .004, respectively, but not prolactin (P = .32, .09 and .1, respectively). Examination stress significantly increased EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG levels from baseline levels (P = .0028) in the summer group, but not in the fall-winter group. In addition, the difference in frequency of reactivation in EBV-seropositive subjects in the summer vs the fall-winter (64% vs 15%) was significant at P = .005. Furthermore, after the examination, the percent increase of EBV VCA IgG in the summer (56%) was significantly different (P = .002) from the percent increase (–2%) in the fall-winter. On the other hand, examination stress did not affect the frequency of CMV reactivation or CMV IgG levels in either group. These data suggest that academic stress can reactivate some of the latent herpesviruses to various degrees at different seasons, and that in vivo reactivation of specific latent viral genes might involve multiple neuroendocrine interactions.

Simultaneous measurement of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, and 14 enteroviruses in chronic fatigue syndrome: is there evidence of activation of a nonspecific polyclonal immune response?

As a test of the hypothesis that elevated titers of viral antibodies in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are due to a nonspecific polyclonal immune response, antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and 14 enteroviruses in 20 patients with CFS and 20 age- and gender-matched controls were simultaneously measured. Similarly, titers of IgG to herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 were measured in 18 of these cases and in the respective controls. IgG to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) was present at titers > or = 1:320 in 55% of cases vs. 15% of controls (P = .02). The geometric mean titers of early antigen antibody to EBV, HHV-6 IgG, and HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG were not significantly different among cases and controls. Of the 14 enteroviral antibodies tested for, only those to coxsackieviruses B1 and B4 were present at significant titers (> or = 1:8) in cases vs. controls (P = .02 and P = .001, respectively). Of the cases, 19 (95%) had either an EBV VCA IgG titer > or = 1:320 or a coxsackievirus B1 or B4 antibody titer > or = 1:8, a percentage significantly higher than that of controls (40%; P = .0004). Titers of EBV VCA IgG and coxsackievirus B1 and B4 antibodies were simultaneously elevated in only 20% of cases. There was no correlation between elevated titers of EBV VCA IgG and IgG to HHV-6, HSV-1, and HSV-2 or antibody to coxsackieviruses B1 and B4 in the cases. The prevalence of reported allergies to medications or other substances was identical in both groups (60%). These findings suggest that in the majority of cases of CFS, elevation of viral antibody titers is not due to a nonspecific polyclonal immune response.