Tissue markers of Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) infection in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Unlabelled: AIM OF the study was to analyze the cellular expression of two latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins and one of the lytic protein, two small RNAs (EBERs) and EBV DNA in children and adult patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) and to characterise more strictly patterns of EBV latency in both groups of patients in our country.

Material And Methods: The studies were performed on an archive tissue material from 26 children and from 27 adults with B-cell NHLs. The studies used immunocytochemical techniques, in situ hybridisation, and PCR.

Results: The detectability and expression of EBV infection were significantly higher in children with B-cell NHLs as compared to adult patients. Expression of EBNA2 and LMP1 and that of EBERs in B-cell NHLs involved mainly cells of CD20(+) phenotype. Positive correlation was confirmed between expression of EBNA2 and LMP1 as well as between expression of the two proteins and EBERs in children with B-cell NHLs. Also in children with B-cell NHLs, type III latency form dominated. In adults the latency forms were more variable. We have demonstrated a novel form of EVB latency with no EBERs expression, noted in children as well as in adults with B-cell NHLs.

Conclusions: The significantly higher cellular expression and higher detectability of latent EBV infection in B-cell NHLs in children as compared to adults points to a potential role of EBV infection in the pathogenesis of lymphoma, particularly in this age group of patients.