Detection of cell-free Epstein-Barr virus DNA in serum during acute infectious mononucleosis.

Abstract

Infectious Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is shed from the oropharynx of infected hosts intermittently throughout life, but in the peripheral circulation the viral genome characteristically maintains itself in a noninfectious, cell-associated form. Sera from 125 persons with heterophil-positive acute infectious mononucleosis or EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma or who were healthy virus carriers were examined for evidence of cell-free viral DNA. EBV DNA suggesting viremia was detected in 11 (27%) of 41 infectious mononucleosis patients by polymerase chain reaction analysis but infrequently in healthy seropositive carriers and patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In serial samples examined from 2 patients, serum EBV DNA was detected over a 3-day interval. Viral DNA was found in concert with one serologic marker of acute infection, EBV-specific polymeric IgA, that could affect patterns of viral spread and clinical symptomatology.

• Authors: Y J Gan, J L Sullivan, J W Sixbey
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 170 Issue 2 Pg. 436-9 (Aug 1994) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8035032 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral
• DNA, Viral
• Immunoglobulin A

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Antibodies, Viral (blood)
• Carrier State (blood, microbiology)
• DNA, Viral (blood)
• Hepatitis, Viral, Human (complications)
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (genetics, immunology)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin A (blood)
• Infectious Mononucleosis (blood, complications, microbiology)
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Viremia (blood, microbiology)