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Cells containing Epstein--Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) in peripheral blood
Acta Microbiologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) positive B lymphocytes were detected in the acute phase of infectious mononucleosis (IM). These EBNA-positive cells disappeared as IM symptoms resolved, suggesting they are exclusive to acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Hematology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus.
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a primary EBV infection.
- EBV-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) is a viral protein expressed in EBV-infected cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and kinetics of EBNA-positive B lymphocytes in patients with infectious mononucleosis.
- To determine if EBNA-positive cells are detectable in other hematological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Anti-complement immunofluorescence assay (ACIF) was employed.
- Peripheral blood B lymphocytes were isolated from patients.
- Detection of EBNA in B lymphocytes was performed.
Main Results:
- EBNA-positive B lymphocytes were identified in 0.5-1% of cells during the acute phase of EBV-origin IM in 6 out of 8 patients.
- EBNA-positive cells were not detected in patients with Hodgkin disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, or lymphosarcoma.
- In two IM patients, EBNA-positive cells became undetectable 20-26 days after symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- EBNA-positive B lymphocytes are transiently present during the acute phase of infectious mononucleosis.
- The detection of EBNA-positive cells appears specific to the acute phase of Epstein-Barr virus infection.
- EBNA-positive cells are not found in the peripheral blood of patients with certain other hematological disorders.