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EBV strain variation: geographical distribution and relation to disease state
M Abdel-Hamid1, J J Chen, N Constantine
1University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7295.
Virology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Distinct Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) strains are linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in high-incidence areas. These specific EBV strains were also found in some epithelial tumors in low-incidence regions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various human cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
- Geographic variations in NPC incidence suggest potential roles for distinct EBV strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare EBV strains in epithelial and lymphoid malignancies across different geographic regions.
- To investigate the association between specific EBV strains and the incidence of NPC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of EBV strains from epithelial and lymphoid tumors.
- Comparison of viral polymorphisms in samples from high and low NPC incidence areas.
- Geographic distribution analysis of identified EBV variants.
Main Results:
- EBV type 1 predominated in NPC from high-incidence regions in Southeast Asia and Mediterranean Africa.
- A distinct EBV type 2 variant with Asian EBV type 1 characteristics was identified in Alaskan Eskimo NPC and parotid gland carcinoma.
- These prevalent Southeast Asian/Mediterranean African EBV strains were found in NPC among Caucasian Americans but not in lymphomas from other regions.
Conclusions:
- Distinct EBV strains appear to predominate in geographic areas with a high incidence of NPC.
- The presence of these specific EBV strains in epithelial tumors from low-incidence areas may indicate tropism for epithelial cells or enhanced pathogenicity.