DNA-DNA dot hybridization to detect Epstein-Barr virus in throat washings.

Abstract

To compare the abilities of the nucleic acid dot hybridization assay and the cord blood lymphocyte transformation assay to detect Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we examined throat washings from healthy control subjects (nine EBV-seronegative and 51 EBV-seropositive), patients with acute infectious mononucleosis, and renal transplant recipients. The dot hybridization assay detected EBV excretion in four (8%) of the EBV-seropositive controls; three of these four were also positive by the lymphocyte transformation assay. Throat washings from seven (87.5%) of eight patients with acute infectious mononucleosis were positive by both assays. EBV was present in throat washings from 13 (50%) of 26 renal transplant recipients. For specimens stored at -70 C for less than four months, the dot hybridization assay had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 98% when compared with the lymphocyte transformation assay. The dot hybridization assay is a rapid, sensitive, and specific test that can be performed on readily available clinical specimens.

• Authors: F Diaz-Mitoma, J K Preiksaitis, W C Leung, D L Tyrrell
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 155 Issue 2 Pg. 297-303 (Feb 1987) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3027193 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral
• Antigens, Viral
• Capsid Proteins
• DNA, Viral
• Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen

Topics

• Antibodies, Viral (analysis)
• Antigens, Viral (immunology)
• Capsid Proteins
• Cell Transformation, Viral
• DNA, Viral (analysis)
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (genetics, isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Infectious Mononucleosis (diagnosis)
• Kidney Transplantation
• Lymphocyte Activation
• Nucleic Acid Hybridization
• Oropharynx (microbiology)