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Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
Plasma magnesium is inversely associated with Epstein-Barr virus load in peripheral blood and Burkitt lymphoma in
Juan Ravell1, Isaac Otim2, Hadijah Nabalende2
1Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology and Clinical Genomics Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
Background:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). EBV control was improved by magnesium (Mg2+) supplementation in XMEN, an X-linked genetic disease associated with Mg2+ deficiency, high circulating EBV levels (viral loads), and EBV-related lymphomas. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between Mg2+ levels and EBV levels and eBL in Uganda.
Methods:
Plasma Mg2+ was measured in 45 women with low or high circulating EBV levels, 40 pediatric eBL cases, and 79 healthy children. Mg2+ uptake by T-lymphocytes was evaluated in samples from healthy donors.
Results:
Plasma Mg2+ deficiency (plasma level <1.8 mg/dl) was more likely in women with high- vs. low-EBV levels (76.0% vs. 35%; odds ratio [OR] 11.3, 95% CI 2.14-60.2), controlling for age, and in eBL cases than controls (42.0% vs. 13.9%; OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.32-9.88), controlling for sex, age group, and malaria status. Mg2+ uptake by T-lymphocytes was related to extracellular Mg2+ concentration.
Interpretation:
Plasma Mg2+ deficiency is associated with high EBV levels and eBL.
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