Molecular characterization of Epstein-Barr virus associated with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in Tunisia: prevalence of the LMP1 oncogene deletions and a and B viruses strains
Trimeche, M.; Korbi, S.; Ziadi, S.; Amara, K.; Boniver, J.; de Leval, L.
Annales de Biologie Clinique 63(2): 193-199
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3898 PMID: 15771977 Document Number: 584548
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is detected in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) at variable frequencies, depending on various factors including the geographic location. The prevalence of EBV is high among HL diagnosed in the region of the center of Tunisia. The aim of the current work was to define the genotypic features of EBV in a series of EBV-positive HL in this area, in comparison to those of EBV found in association with benign lymphoadenopathies. A 30 bp and a 69 bp deletion within the LMP1 gene were detected in 41% and 11% of HL cases, respectively. In reactive lymph nodes, the 30 bp deletion was found in 43% of the cases. Type A EBV was detected in 84% of HL cases and in 96% of reactive lymphoadenopathies, and type B EBV was detected in others. No significant association was found between histological type of HL, age of the patients, or stage at diagnosis, and the molecular configuration of LMP1. However, LMP1 deletions were found more frequently among male patients. The significance of these results is discussed.