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Updated: May 2, 2026
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
Epstein-Barr virus load in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in Uganda
Maria Raffaella Petrara1, Martina Penazzato2, William Massavon3
1Unit of Viral Oncology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology AIDS Reference Center.
Insights
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-1-infected children reduces Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA levels and coinfection, potentially lowering lymphoma risk. ART limits HIV-1 replication and immune activation, controlling EBV viremia.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is linked to various cancers, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- EBV primary infection in Africa occurs in early childhood, but data on EBV load in HIV-1-infected children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA levels in Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected children in Uganda.
- To assess the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on EBV load and coinfection in this population.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 213 HIV-1-infected children were analyzed for EBV types 1 and 2, 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and HIV-1 RNA.
- Dried blood spot analysis was used for nucleic acid extraction and quantification.
Main Results:
- Detectable EBV DNA was found in 66% of ART-treated children and 78% of ART-naive children.
- Coinfection with both EBV types was less frequent in ART-treated children (OR, 0.54; P = .042).
- Mean EBV DNA levels were lower in ART-treated children (P = .006) and associated with HIV-1 RNA load and 16S rDNA levels.
Conclusions:
- ART appears to reduce EBV superinfection and viremia by limiting HIV-1 replication and immune activation.
- These findings suggest ART may decrease the risk of EBV-associated lymphomas in HIV-1-infected children.
- Controlling HIV-1 replication is crucial for managing EBV coinfection and associated risks.
Background:
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is involved in a wide range of malignancies, particularly in immunocompromised subjects. In Africa, EBV primary infection occurs during early childhood, but little is known about the EBV load in Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected children.
Methods:
Blood samples from 213 HIV-1-infected children, 140 of whom were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), were collected at the Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, and obtained for dried blood spot analysis. Nucleic acids were extracted and analyzed for quantification of EBV types 1 and 2; 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), a marker of microbial translocation; and HIV-1 RNA.
Results:
Ninety-two of 140 children (66%) receiving ART and 57 of 73 ART-naive children (78%) had detectable EBV DNA levels. Coinfection with both EBV types was less frequent in ART-treated children than in ART-naive children (odds ratio, 0.54 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .30-.98]; P = .042). Mean EBV DNA levels (±standard deviation) were lower in the former (3.99 ± 0.59 vs 4.22 ± 0.54 log10 copies/mL; P = .006) and tended to be inversely associated with ART duration. EBV DNA levels were higher in children with an HIV-1 RNA load of > 3 log10 copies/mL of blood (regression coefficient, 0.32 [95% CI, .05-.59]; P = .020) and correlated with circulating 16S rDNA levels (rs = 0.25 [95% CI, .02-.46]; P = .031).
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that ART, by limiting HIV-1 replication, microbial translocation, and related immune activation, prevents superinfection with both EBV types and keeps EBV viremia down, thus potentially reducing the risk of EBV-associated lymphomas.
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