Premium
Detection of Epstein‐Barr virus in the brain by the polymerase chain reaction
Author(s) -
Pedneault Louise,
Katz Ben Z.,
Miller George
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410320210
Subject(s) - polymerase chain reaction , epstein–barr virus , virus , virology , encephalitis , herpesviridae , encephalopathy , serology , biology , viral disease , pathology , medicine , immunology , antibody , gene , genetics
Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in a variety of central nervous system syndromes. In a few well‐studied patients, EBV has been detected by viral isolation or EBV DNA has been found by Southern hybridization analysis. Using polymerase chain reaction, we evaluated brain biopsy specimens from 24 patients for the presence of EBV genomes. EBV DNA was found in brain specimens from 18 patients in whom presence of the virus in the brain was suspected clinically or on the basis of serological tests. Six patients had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; 2 were kidney transplant recipients. Brain specimens from 4 patients with encephalitis due to other herpes group viruses and from a patient with metabolic encephalopathy were negative for EBV DNA as determined by polymerase chain reaction. The findings indicate a need to evaluate the role of EBV in diverse neurological syndromes, especially those occurring in immunodeficient hosts.