Sensitivity and specificity of Epstein-Barr virus IGA titer in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a three-year institutional review.
BACKGROUND
IgA antibody titers to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (EBV IgA-VCA) and to the EBV early antigen (EBV IgA-EA) are used to screen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of EBV IgA-VCA and EBV IgA-EA titers in screening patients for NPC and in those diagnosed with NPC at our institution.


METHODS
The NPC status was determined for all patients who had their EBV IgA-VCA and EBV-IgA EA titers measured over a 3-year period, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated.


RESULTS
Five thousand one hundred ninety-six samples were analyzed. NPC was diagnosed in 215 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a raised EBV IgA-VCA titer (> or =1:5) for diagnosing NPC were 89% and 80%, respectively, with a raised EbV IgA-EA titer (> or =1:5) having a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 97%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the EBV IgA-VCA titer is sensitive for the diagnosis of NPC, it should not be used as the sole means of screening for NPC in a population in which NPC is endemic.
Tsang
Raymond K Y
RK
Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Vlantis
Alexander C
AC
Ho
Ricky W K
RW
Tam
John S L
JS
To
K F
KF
van Hasselt
C Andrew
CA
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D002213:Capsid / Q000276:immunology*; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood*; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D036022:Capsid Proteins; C041788:Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen; C033305:Epstein-Barr virus early antigen; D007070:Immunoglobulin A