Factors affecting reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus infection after kidney allograft transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in renal transplant recipients may cause significant morbidity and mortality. To evaluate factors associated with activation of EBV replication we followed prospectively a group of 65 recipients of cadaveric kidney for 12 months.


METHODS
Sera were collected periodically from these patients and analyzed for the presence of specific anti-EBV antibodies. Control group consisted of renal (n=35) and healthy blood donors (n=35). Enzyme-linked immunoassays based on recombinant EBV proteins were used to detect the following antibody specificities: early antigen (EA) IgA, IgM, and IgG, nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgG.


RESULTS
During first year after transplantation, primary infection developed in 4 (6.15%) recipients and reactivation occurred in 18 (27.7%) recipients. Analysis did not show the association of reactivation with type of basic immunosuppressive therapy, prophylactic or therapeutic use of anti-lymphocyte antibodies, as well as acute rejection episodes. There was a borderline association (p=0.068) between the incidence of CMV infection and EBV reactivation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest casual relationship between CMV infection and EBV reactivation.
Khameneh
Z R
ZR
Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Soin
J
J
Durlik
M
M
Lao
M
M
Paczek
L
L
Gaciong
Z
Z
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents