title: Presence of EBV-DNA sequences in nasopharyngeal cells of individuals without IgA-VCA antibodies.
abstract: Exfoliated nasopharyngeal (NP) cells from 62 normal Cantonese Chinese having IgA/VCA antibodies for more than a year and from 39 similar persons without IgA/VCA antibodies, were tested for the presence of EBV/DNA sequences by spot followed by blot hybridization tests, using the cloned internal repeat of B95-8 viral DNA as probe. Thirteen out of 62 specimens from IgA/VCA-positive (21%) and six out of 39 specimens (15.4%) from IgA/VCA-negative individuals were found to contain EBV/DNA sequences. Forty-six cases (20 IgA/VCA-positive and 26 IgA/VCA-negative) were followed a year later for EBV/DNA sequences and EBV serology. Half of the individuals having EBV/DNA sequences in their exfoliated NP cells in 1981 did not have detectable EBV sequences a year later, and to out of 15 negative individuals became EBV/DNA-positive. There was no obvious correlation between EBV/DNA detectability and EBV serology. (We conclude that the best marker for NPC risk remains the increasing IgA/VCA and/or EA antibody titers.
mesh_terms: D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001483:Base Sequence; D002681:China; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G