Epstein-Barr-virus-carrying lymphoma in a patient with ataxia-telangiectasia

An undifferentiated lymphocytic lymphoma of mesenteric lymph nodes occurred in a young boy with ataxia-telangiectasia. Two independent tests, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-cRNA/DNA hybridisation and EBV DNA/DNA reassociation kinetic analysis, showed 53 and 68 EBV genome equivalents per cell respectively, which was compatible with an EBV-genome-carrying tumour. Whether this was a polyclonal lymphoproliferation or a monoclonal tumour could not be determined owing to lack of suitable material. The presence of EBV genomes should be sought in lymphomas arising in ataxia-telangiectasia and other immunodeficiencies.