Examination of mycosis fungoides for the presence of Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus-6 by polymerase chain reaction

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) remains unknown despite numerous investigations. In recent years, retroviruses and human herpesviruses have been implicated to play a causal part in CTCL. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible aetiopathogenetic role of human herpesviruses (HHV) in mycosis fungoides (MF). METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction was used to study formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lesional skin biopsies from 92 subjects with MF to evidence possible presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HHV-6. RESULTS: Biopsy specimens from nine subjects (9.8%) evidenced EBV DNA, whereas all except one of the subjects (1.1%) lacked HHV-6 DNA. CONCLUSIONS: Although these findings do not support a primary aetiological role for EBV and HHV-6 in classical CTCL, the possibility remains that both viruses, particularly EBV, may act as potential cofactors in the development of CTCL.     

Epstein‐Barr virus infectious mononucleosis

The Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is the aetiological agent of classical infectious mononucleosis. This review article describes the antigenicity of the virus, the specific antibody response and the stimulated polyclonal heterophile antibody production in the host. The diagnostic tests for EBV infection are discussed, with particular attention drawn to the pitfalls of the Monospot test. Complications are listed and management strategies are outlined. The uses and complications of steroids are discussed. The importance of avoidance of contact sport and the association with splenic rupture is described.     

以合成多肽为抗原检测EB病毒抗体的酶免疫测定法

用固相合成肽方法合成了３ 个ＥＢＶ多肽抗原， 建立了测定ＥＢ病毒抗体的酶免疫测定法。共测定４５ 份鼻咽癌病人血清标本， 阳性率为８９％ 。本方法观察结果方便， 操作简单， 试剂稳定。     

Clinicopathological analysis of the age-related differences in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated extranasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma with reference to the relationship with aggressive NK cell leukaemia and chronic active EBV infection-associated lymphoproliferative disorders

Takahashi E, Ohshima K, Kimura H, Hara K, Suzuki R, Kawa K, Eimoto T & Nakamura S for the NK‐cell Tumor Study Group
(2011) Histopathology 59 , 660–671 Clinicopathological analysis of the age‐related differences in patients with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated extranasal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma with reference to the relationship with aggressive NK cell leukaemia and chronic active EBV infection‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders Aims: Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTL), comprising nasal NKTL and extranasal NKTL (ENKTL), is associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). A bimodal age distribution was noted in NKTL patients. We examined the clinicopathological differences between two age groups of ENKTL patients (n = 23) and compared the findings with those of aggressive NK cell leukaemia (ANKL; n = 10) and monoclonal chronic active EBV infection‐associated T/NK‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders [chronic active EBV infection/TNK‐lymphoproliferative disorders (CAEBV/TNK‐LPD)] of NK‐cell type (n = 45). Methods and results: Distinct differences existed between elderly (>50 years; n = 13) and younger (≤50 years; n = 10) ENKTL patients; the latter showed a higher disease stage (P = 0.0286), worse performance status (P = 0.0244), more frequent B symptoms (P = 0.0286) and more frequent liver, spleen and bone marrow involvement (P = 0.0222, 0.0005 and 0.0259, respectively). Few clinicopathological differences existed between younger ENKTL and ANKL patients. Patients with monoclonal CAEBV/TNK‐LPD of NK‐cell type (n = 45) showed features similar to those in younger ENKTL/ANKL patients, except a more juvenile onset of CAEBV‐related symptoms and better prognosis. However, the onset age of overt leukaemia/lymphoma in CAEBV/TNK‐LPD patients and overall survival thereafter were similar to those in younger ENKTL/ANKL patients. Conclusions: ENKTL (≤50 years) is distinct from that in elderly patients and may encompass ANKL and overlap in the clinicopathological profile with NK‐cell type CAEBV/TNK‐LPD.