[Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in recurrent tonsillitis]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Virology
• Pathology

Background:

• Recurrent tonsillitis is frequently investigated, with potential causes including antibiotic misuse, microflora changes, structural tonsillar crypt alterations, and viral infections.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, common in childhood, can persist in tonsillar lymphocytes and may lead to recurrent tonsillitis.
• The persistence and reactivation of EBV in immunocompetent individuals are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and recurrent tonsillitis.
• To detect the presence of EBV in pediatric tonsil specimens using PCR and immunohistochemistry.
• To target the viral protein LMP-1 as an indicator of EBV activity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed, analyzing sample prevalence.
• Twenty-four paraffin-embedded tonsil specimens from children aged 2-12 years with recurrent tonsillitis were analyzed.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were utilized to detect EBV genome and the LMP-1 protein.

Main Results:

• The EBV genome was identified in 13 out of 24 (54.1%) tonsil specimens.
• The EBV-associated viral protein LMP-1 was detected in 9 out of 24 (37.5%) specimens.
• These findings indicate a significant prevalence of EBV in children with recurrent tonsillitis.

Conclusions:

• Tonsils in children can harbor Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) colonization.
• EBV colonization is potentially associated with the pathogenesis of recurrent tonsillitis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of EBV in recurrent tonsillitis.