[Method of diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infection]

An original methodological approach to the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is proposed, consisting in the detection of viral DNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes using in situ DNA hybridization. EBV DNA was found in 6 (50%) patients with lymphomas and in 1 (33%) with infective endocarditis out of 26 examined recipients of blood components. No EBV DNA was found in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 14 regular donors. Normalization of the immune status of a patient and use of blood components containing no EBV is the key factor in the prevention of EBV infection. Biohit test system for in situ hybridization of EBV DNA may be used for diagnostic monitoring of EBV infection and screening of blood and tissue donors.