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[Epstein-Barr virus infection in children with AIDS]
A P Carvalho1, L V Gandolfi, E Tonelli
1Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
Summary
Children with AIDS experience higher rates of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, including primary and reactivated forms. This EBV reactivation was particularly prevalent in those with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The co-occurrence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections is a recognized concern, particularly in pediatric populations presenting with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP).
- Understanding the incidence and patterns of EBV infection in children with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is crucial for clinical management and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection in children diagnosed with AIDS.
- To compare EBV infection rates in children with AIDS, with and without LIP, against a control group of HIV-negative children.
- To investigate the stages of EBV infection (primary and reactivated) in relation to HIV status and LIP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 60 children with AIDS and 54 age- and sex-matched HIV-negative children was conducted.
- Detection of antibodies against EBV capsid and nuclear antigens was performed using indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA techniques.
- Serologic responses were used to define the stage of EBV infection.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) was present in 35% of children with AIDS, with 90.5% of these showing positive serologic reactions to EBV.
- Significantly higher titers of IgG antibodies against EBV capsid antigen were observed in children with AIDS compared to controls (1:439.5 vs. 1:42.8).
- Primary EBV infection (p<0.0001) and reactivated EBV infection (p=0.0745) were more frequent in children with AIDS.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of both primary and reactivated Epstein-Barr virus infections is significantly higher in pediatric patients with AIDS.
- Epstein-Barr virus infection, encompassing primary and reactivated stages, was identified in nearly all patients diagnosed with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (90.5%).
- These findings underscore the heightened susceptibility to and altered course of EBV infections in immunocompromised children with HIV/AIDS.