Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was ubiquitous Herpes virus that had a role in the development of
undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx, Burkett’s lymphoma, acute infectious mononucleosis
and other lymphoprolifrative disorders.
METHODS:
Thirty Iraqi patients with nasopharangeal carcinoma were referred to Oncology Unit in Al-Kadhemia
Teaching Hospital from 1992-1994. Sera of those patients were tested for the presence of antibodies
against Epstein-Barr virus nuclear and early antigens using indirect immunoflourescence test.
Cellular immunity for those patients was tested for the CD4+, CD8+, CD4/CD8 ratio, T-cells % and
B -cells %. Their results were compared with twenty-two normal apparently normal individuals.
RESULTS:
Antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear and early antigens were detected in nasopharangeal
carcinoma Iraqi patients and not in the control group. There was significant difference between two
groups in CD8+ cells, T- cells % and B- cells % and there was no significant differences between two
groups in CD4+ cells, CD4/CD8 ratio.
DISCUSSION:
EBV infection was stopped by T- cells immune response that was capable of eliminating virus
infected cells and virus neutralizing antibodies against nuclear and early antigens which prevent the
spread of infection. Lymphocytes were predominantly CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which
recognize and destroy EBV infected cells.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Other antibodies to viral capsid antigens (IgG, IgA and IgM). Other methods must be used other than
indirect immunoflourescense test like western blot method and enzyme linked immune sorbent assay
(ELISA).