title: [Real-time PCR in detection of Epstein-Barr virus infection].
abstract: The aim of presented paper was to compare the results of EBV tests performed using real-time PCR (LightCycler EBV Quant Kit--Roche) and "home made" nested PCR in patients with serological confirmed actual or recent EBV infection. In serum samples the presence of IgM and IgG antibody to virus capsid antigen (VCA), IgG antibody to nuclear antigen (EBNA) and early antigen (EA) was tested. Serum samples with the presence anty-VCA IgM (I Group) or with anty EA IgG and without anty-VCA IgM (II Group) were tested by PCR. Real-time PCR results were compared to nested PCR. In both PCR methods 57/60 (95%) concordant results were obtained (10 positive and 47 negative samples). In two serum samples positive result was obtained only by real-time PCR, in one serum sample only by nested PCR. EBV DNA was detected only in serum samples from I Group. Negative EBV DNA detection may be correlated to phase of infection (time after onset of disease) in which the sample was collected, as well as with fact how long EBV is presence in blood. The results indicate that real-time PCR is a reliable tool for diagnosis of primary EBV infection early in the course of disease and may serve as test of confirmation in serologically indeterminate EBV infection (doubtful cases).
authors.affiliation: Zakład Wirusologii NIZP-PZH w Warszawie.
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trzcińska
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Siennicka
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult