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Abstract

Title: High levels of epstein-barr virus DNA in saliva and peripheral blood from ugandan mother-child pairs.
Author: Mbulaiteye SM, Walters M, Engels EA, Bakaki PM, Ndugwa CM, Owor AM, Goedert JJ, Whitby D, Biggar RJ
Journal: J Infect Dis 193(3):422-426
Year: 2006
Month: February

Abstract: In Africa, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with Burkitt lymphoma. We measured levels of EBV DNA in saliva and buffy coats from 233 asymptomatic Ugandan children with sickle cell disease and their mothers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. EBV DNA was detected in saliva from 90% of the children (median [interquartile range {IQR}] level, 5.2 [4.2-6.0] log(10) copies/mL of saliva) and 79% of the mothers (median [IQR] level, 4.8 [3.7-5.6] log(10) copies/mL of saliva) (P<.001). EBV DNA was detected in buffy coats from 86% of the children (median [IQR] level, 2.5 [2.2-2.9] log(10) copies/1x106 peripheral white blood cells [PWBCs]) and 72% of the mothers (median [IQR] level, 2.7 [2.4-3.1] log(10) copies/1x106 PWBCs) (P=.24). Detection of EBV DNA in saliva was positively correlated with detection in buffy coats. EBV DNA was detected more frequently in saliva and buffy coats than was human herpesvirus 8 DNA. Our results indicate that EBV infection persists, with virus readily detectable in saliva and buffy coats from persons without apparent symptoms in Africa.