Epstein-Barr virus and jaw tumors in North Nigeria.
Nigerian patients with tumors of the jaw were compared with controls in respect of antibodies to the viral capsid antigens of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and of total immunoglobulin levels. Immunoglobulin levels did not differ between patients and controls but increased two weeks postsurgery. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to EBV were detected in a small number of patients, and mean titers of IgG antibodies to EBV were lower in the patient group, indicating a lack of association between EBV and tumor formation. An association was noted between the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen, and depressed antibody titers to EBV in patients with tumors. Of 78 patients studied, 12% were Hepatitis B surface antigen positive.
D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000382:microbiology*; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D002213:Capsid / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D009549:Nigeria; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M